PR 




Book , B4" 






THE 
/ 

BEGGAR'S OPERA. 

IN THREE ACTS 



BY JOHN GAY 



As fierf armed at the Theatre Royal, Drury 
Lane, 



PHILADELPHIA 



PUBLISHED BY THOMAS H. PALMEB 



1823. 



<£•**, 



/* 



DRAMATIS PERSONM. 



Peachum*.... 

Lockit* •••••< 

Macheath ••• 

Filch 

Jemmy Twitcher • • • 
Crookfingerea Jack* 

Wat Dreary* • • 

Robin of Bagshot* • • 
Nimming Ned •••••• 

"3arry Paddington. • - 

Mat of the Mint 

Ben Budge •••••••• 

Beggar ••••• 

Player* •• ....«••••• 



• Mr 



OS 



09* 

a 



Drury-Lane, 

Moody. 

Bransby. 

Vernon. 

Parsons, 

Wright. 

Wrighten. 

JVorris. 

Carpenter. 

Griffith, 

JSfarr. 

Kear. 

Burton. 

Waldron. 

Whitfield, 



Mrs. Peachum.... Mrs. Love. 



Polly Peachum 
Lucy Lockit. • 
Diana Trapes* 
Mrs. Coaxer. • • 
Dolly Trull... 

Mrs. Vixen ••• •( | 

Betty Doxy.... 
Jenny Diver ... 
Mrs. Slammekin 
Suky Tawdry • • 
Molly Brazen. •• 






ft 



Smith. 

Wrighten. 

Bradsha-w. 

Millidge. 

Jlfusgrove, 
Miss. Piatt. 
Mrs. Palmer. 

Davies. 

Johnson. 

Smith. 

Brathivait, 



Constables, Drawers, Turnkey, &c. 

The passages distinguished by inverted commas, thus, 
f" "J are omitted in the representation. 



7/ 



INTRODUCTION. 



Beggar, Plater. 

Beg. If poverty be a title to poetry, I'm sure nobody 
can dispute mine. I own myself of the company of beg- 
gars, and I make one at their weekly festivals at St. 
Giles's. I have a small yearly salary for my catches, and 
am welcome to a dinner there whenever I please, which 
is more than most poets can say. 

Play. As we live by the muses, it is but gratitude in 
us to encourage poetical merit wherever we find it. 
The muses, contrary to all other ladies, pay no distinc- 
tion to dress, and never partially mistake the pertness 
of embroidery for wit, nor the modesty of want for dul- 
ness. Be the author who he will, we push his play as 
far as it will go : so, (though you are in want,; I wish you 
success heartily. 

Beg. This piece, I own, was originally writ for the 
celebrating the marriage of James Chanter and Moll 
Lay, two most excellent ballad-singers. I have intro- 
duced the similes that are in all your celebrated operas, 
The Swallow, The Moth, The Bee, The Ship, The Flow- 
er, &c, : besides I have a prison scene, which the ladies 
always reckon charmingly pathetic. As to the parts, I 
have observed such a nice impartiality to our two ladies, 
that it is impossible for either of them to take offence. 
I hope that I may be forgiven that I have not made my 
opera throughout unnatural, like those in vogue, for I 
have no recitative excepting this. As I have consented 
to have neither prologue nor epilogue, it must be allow- 
ed an opera in all its forms. The piece indeed hath been 
heretofore frequently represented by ourselves in our 
great room at St. Giles's, so that I cannot too often ac- 
knowledge your charity in bringing it now on the stage. 

Play. But I see it is time for us to withdraw ; the ac- 
tors are preparing to begin. Play away the overture. 

[exeunt 



THE 



BEGGAR'S OPERA, 



ACT I. 



scene — Peachum's house. 

Peachum sitting at a table, -with a large book of accounts 
before him. 

AIR I. An old woman clothed in gray. 

Thro' all the employments of life, 
£ach neighbour abuses his brother ; 
Whore and rogue they call husband and wife, 
All professions berogue one another: 
The priest calls the lawyer a cheat, 
The lawyer beknaves the divine, 
And the statesman, because he's so great, 
Thinks his trade as honest as mine. 

A lawyer is an honest employment, so is mine : like 
me too he acts in a double capacity, both against rogues 
and for 'em, for 'tis but fitting that we should protect 
and encourage cheats, since we live by 'em, 

enter filch. 

Filch. Sir, black Moll hath sent word her trial comes 
on in the afternoon, and she hopes you will order matters 
so as to bring her off. 

Peach. Why, she may plead her belly ^t worst ; to my 
knowledge she hath taken care of thai security ; but as 
the wench is very active and industrious, you may satis- 
fy her that I'll soften the evidence. 
a2 



6 BEGGAR'S OPERA. [Gay 

Filch. Tom Gagg, sir, is found guilty. 

Peach. A lazy dog ! when I took him the time before, 
I told him what he would come to if he did not mend 
his hand. This is death without reprieve : I may ven- 
ture to book him : {-writes) for Tom Gagg, forty pounds. 
Let Betty Sly know that I'll save her from transportation, 
for 1 can get more by her staying in England. 

Filch. Betty hath brought more goods into our lock 
to-year than any five of the gang, and in truth 'tis pity 
to lose so good a customer. 

Peach. If none of the gang takes her off, she may in 
the common course of business live a twelvemonth 
longer. I love to let women 'scape. A good sports- 
man always lets the hen partridges fly, because the 
breed of the game depends upon them. Besides, here 
the law allows us no reward. There is nothing to be 
got by the death of women — except our wives. 

Filch. Without dispute she is a fine woman ! 'twas to 
her I was obliged for my education. To say a bold word, 
she hath trained up more young fellows to the business 
than the gaming table. 

Peach. Truly, Filch, thy observation is right. We and 
the surgeons are more beholden to women than all the 
professions besides. 

AIR II. The bonny grey-ey'd morn. 

Filch. 'Tis woman that seduces all mankind ; 
By her we first were taught the wheedling arts 5 
Her very eyes can cheat : when most she's kind, 
She tricks us of our money with our hearts. 
For her like wolves by night we roam for prey, 
And practise ev'ry fraud to bribe her charms ; 
For suits of love, like law, are won by pay, 
And beauty must be fee'd into our arms, 

Peach. But make haste to Newgate, boy, and let my 
friends know what I intend ; for I love to make them easy 
one way or other. 

Filch. When a gentleman is long kept in suspense, 
penitence may break his spirit ever after. Besides, cer- 
tainty gives a man a good air upon his trial, and makes 
him risk another without fear or scruple. But I'll away, 



Act I] BEGGAR'S OPERA, 7 

for 'tis a pleasure to be the messenger of comfort to 
friends in affliction. [exit 

Peach. But it is now high time to look about me for 
a decent execution against next sessions. I hate a lazy 
rogue, by whom one can get nothing till he is hanged. 
A register of the gang, {reading) Crookfinger'd Jack, 
a year and a half in the service : let me see how much 
the stock owes to his industry ; one, two, three, four, 
five, gold watches, and seven silver ones. A mighty 
clean-handed fellow ! sixteen snuff-boxes, five of them 
of true gold, six dozen of handkerchiefs, four silver- 
hilted swords, half a dozen of shirts, three tie-periwigs, 
and a piece of broad cloth. Considering these are only 
fruits of his leisure hours, I don't know a prettier fellow, 
for no man alive hath a more engaging presence of mind 
upon the road. Wat. Dreary, alias Brown Will ; an ir- 
regular dog, who hath an underhand way of disposing 
of his goods. I'll try him only for a sessions or two longer 
upon his good behaviour. Harry Paddington ; a poor 
petty -larceny rascal, without the least genius : that fel- 
low, though he were to live these six months, will never 
come to the gallows with any credit. Slippery Sam ; 
he goes off the next sessions, for the villain hath the 
impudence to have views of following his trade as a 
tailor, which he calls an honest employment. Mat of the 
Mint, listed not above a month ago ; a promising sturdy 
fellow, and diligent in his way ; somewhat too bold and 
hasty, and may raise good contributions on the public, 
if he does not cut himself short by murder. Tom Tipple, 
a guzzling soaking sot, who is always too drunk to stand 
himself or make others stand : a cart is absolutely neces- 
sary for him. Robin of Bagshot, alias Gorgon, alias Bluff 
Bob, alias Carbuncle, alias Bob Booty. 

enter Mrs. feachum. 

Mrs. Peach. What of Bob Booty, husband ? I hope 
nothing bad hath betided him. You know, my dear, he's 
a favourite customer of mine ; 'twas he made me a pre- 
sent of this ring. 

Peach. I've set his name down in the black-list, that's 
all, my dear : he spends his life among women, and as 
soon as his money is gone, one or other of the ladies will 



8 BEGGAR'S OPERA. [Gay 

hang him for the reward, and there's forty pounds lost 

to us for ever. 

Mrs. Peach. You know, my dear, I never meddle in 
matters of death ; I always leave those affairs to you. 
Women indeed are bitter bad judges in these cases, for 
they are so partial to the brave, that they think every 
man handsome who is going to the camp or the gallows. 

AIR III. Cold and raw, &c. 

If any wench Venus's girdle wear, 
Tho' she be never so ugly, 
Lilies and roses will quickly appear, 
And her face look wondrous smuggly. 
Beneath the left ear so fit but a cord, 
(A rope so charming a zone is !) 
The youth in his cart hath the air of a lord, 
And we cry, there dies an Adonis ! 

But really, husband, you should not be too hardhearted, 
for you never had a finer, braver set of men than at 
present. We have not had a murder among them all 
these seven months ; and, truly, my dear, that is a great 
blessing. 

Peach. What a dickens is the woman always a whim- 
pering about murder for ! No gentleman is ever looked 
upon the worse for killing a man in his own defence ; 
and if business cannot be carried on without it, what 
would you have a gentleman do ? 

Mrs. Peach. If 1 am in the wrong, my dear, you must 
excuse me, for nobody can help the frailty of an over- 
scrupulous conscience. 

Peach. Murder is as fashionable a crime as a man can 
be guilty of. How many fine gentlemen have we in 
Newgate every year purely upon that article ? If they 
have wherewithal to persuade the jury to bring it in 
manslaughter, what are they the worse for it ? so, my 
dear, have done upon this subject. Was Captain Mac- 
heath here this morning for the bank-notes he left with 
you last week ? 

Mrs. Peach. Yes, my dear, and though the bank hath 
stopped payment, he was so cheerful and so agreeable ! 
Sure there is not a finer gentleman on the road than the 



Act I] BEGGAR'S OPERA. 9 

captain : if he comes from Bagshot at any reasonable 
hour, he hath promised to make one this evening with 
Polly, me, and Bob Booty, at a party at quadrille. Pray, 
my dear, is the captain rich ? 

Peach, The captain keeps too good company ever to 
grow rich. Marybone and the chocolate houses are his 
undoing. The man that proposes to get money by play 
should have the education of a fine gentleman, and be 
trained up to it from his youth. 

Mrs, Peach, Really, I am sorry upon Polly's account 
the captain hath not more discretion. >Vhat business 
hath he to keep company with lords and gentlemen ? 
he should leave them to prey upon one another. 

Peach. Upon Polly's account ! what a plague does the 
woman mean ? — upon Polly's account ! 

Mrs. Peach. Captain Macheath is very fond of the 
girl. 

Peach. And what then ? 

Mrs. Peach. If I have any skill in the ways of women, 
I am sure Polly thinks him a very pretty man. 

Peach. And what then ? you would not be so mad to 
have the wench marry him ? Gamesters and highway- 
men are generally very good to their whores, but they 
are very devils to their wives. 

Mrs. Peach. But if Polly should be in love, how should 
we help her, or how can she help herself ? Poor girl, 
I'm in the utmost concern about her. 

AIR IV. Why is your faithful slave disdain 9 d ? 

If love the virgin's heart invade, 
How like a moth the simple maid 
Still plays about the flame ; 
If soon she be not made a wife, 
Her honour's sing'd, and then for life 
She's what I dare not name. 

Peach. Look ye, wife, a handsome wench in our way 
of business is as profitable as at the bar of a Temple cof- 
fee-house, who looks upon it as her livelihood to grant 
every liberty but one. You see I would indulge the girl 
as far as prudently we can in any thing but marriage : 
after that, my dear, how shall we be safe ? are we not 



10 BEGGAR'S OPERA. [Gay 

then in her husband's power ? for a husband hath the 
absolute power over all a wife's secrets but her own. 
If the girl had the discretion of a court lady, who can 
have a dozen young fellows at her ear without comply- 
ing with one, I should not matter it ; but Polly is tinder, 
and a spark will at once set her in a flame. Married ! 
if the wench does not know her own profit, sure she 
knows her own pleasure better than to make herself a 
property ! My daughter to me should be like a court- 
lady to a minister of state, a key to the whole gang. 
Married ! if the affair is not already done, I'll terrify her 
from it by the example of our neighbours. 

JMrs. Peach. Mayhap, mydear, you may injure the girl : 
she loves to imitate the fine ladies, and she may only al- 
low the captain liberties in the view of interest. 

Peach. But 'tis your duty, my dear, to warn the girl 
against her ruin, and to instruct her how to make the 
most of her beauty. I'll go to her this moment and sift 
her. In the mean time, wife, rip out the coronets and 
marks of these dozen of cambrick handkerchiefs, for I 
can dispose of them this afternoon to a chap in the city. 

[exit 

Mrs. Peach. Never was a man more out of the way in 
an argument than my husband ! Why must our Polly, 
forsooth, differ from her sex, and love only her husband ? 
and why must Polly's marriage, contrary to all observa- 
tion, make her the less followed by other men ? All 
men are thieves in love, and like a woman the better for 
being another's property. 

AIR V. Of all the simple things -we do, &c> 

A maid is like the golden ore, 
Which hath guineas intrinsical in 't, 
Whose worth is never known before 
It is try'd and imprest in the mint. 
A wife's like a guinea in gold, 
Stampt with the name of her spouse, 
Now here, now there, is bought or is sold s 
And is current in every house. 



Act I] BEGGAR'S OPERA, 11 



enter filch. 

Mrs. Peach. Come hither, Filch. I am as fond of this 
child as though my mind misgave me he were my own. 
He hath as fine a hand at picking a pocket as a woman, 
and is as nimble-fingered as a juggler. If an unlucky 
session does not cut the rope of thy life, I pronounce, 
boy, thou wilt be a great man in history. Where was 
your post last night, my boy ? 

Filch. I plied at the opera, madam, and considering it 
was neither dark nor rainy, so that there was no great 
hurry in getting chairs and coaches, made a tolerable 
hand on't. These seven handkerchiefs, madam. 

JVJrs. Peach. Coloured ones, I see. They are of sure 
sale from our ware -house at Redriff, among the seamen. 

Filch. And this snuff-box. 

Mrs, Peach. Set in gold ! a pretty encouragement 
this to a young beginner. 

Filch. I had a fair tug at a charming gold watch. Pox 
take the tailors for making the fobs so deep and narrow ! 
It stuck by the way, and I was forced to make my escape 
under a coach. Really, madam, I fear I shall be cut off 
in the flower of my youth, so that every now and then, 
since I was pumpt, I have thoughts of taking up, and 
going to sea. 

Mrs. Peach. You should go to Hockley in the hole, 
and to Marybone, child, to learn valour : these are the 
schools that have bred so many brave men. I thought, 
boy, by this time thou hadst lost fear as well as shame. 
Poor lad ! how little does he know as yet of the Old 
Bailey ! for the first fact I'll insure you from being hang- 
ed ; and going to sea, Filch, will come time enough up- 
on a sentence of transportation. But now, since you 
have nothing better to do, even go to your book and 
learn your catechism ; for really a man makes but an 
ill figure in the ordinary's paper who cannot give a sat- 
isfactory answer to his questions. But hark you, my 
lad, don't tell me a lie, for you know I hate a liar; do 
you know of any thing that hath passed between captain 
Macheath and our Polly ? 

^ Filch. I beg you, madam, don't ask me, for I must 
cither tell a lie to you or to miss Polly, for I promised 
her I would not telL 



12 BEGGAR'S OPERA. [Gay 

Mrs. Peach. But when the honour of our family is 
concerned 

Filch. I shall lead a sad life with miss Polly if ever she 
comes to know that I told you. Besides, I would not 
willingly forfeit my own honour by betraying 1 any body. 

Mrs. Peach. Yonder comes my husband and Polly. 
Come, Filch, you shall go with me into my own room, 
and tell me the whole story. HI give thee a glass of a 
most delicious cordial that I keep for my own drinking. 

[exeunt 

enter peachum and polly. 

Polly. I know as well as any of the fine ladies how to 
make the most of myself and of my man too. A woman 
knows how to be mercenary, though she hath never been 
in a court or at an assembly : we have it in our natures, 
papa. If I allow captain Macheath some trifling liberties, 
I have this watch and other visible marks of his favour 
to show for it. A girl who cannot grant some things, 
and refuse what is most material, will make but a poor 
hand of her beauty, and soon be thrown upon the com- 
mon. 

AIR VI. What shall I do to show hoiv much I love her. 

Virgins are like the fair flower in its lustre, 
Which in the garden enamels the ground : 
Near it the bees in play flutter and cluster, 
And gaudy butterflies frolic around : 
But when once pluck'd 'tis no longer alluring, 
To Covent-garden 'tis sent, (as yet sweet,) 
There fades, and shrinks, and grows past all endur- 
ing, 
Rots, stinks, and dies, and is trod under feet. 

Peach. You know, Polly, I am not against your toy- 
ing and trifling with a customer in the way of business, 
or to get out a secret or so ; but if I find out that you 
have played the fool, and are married, you jade you, Til 
cut your throat, hussy. Now you know my mind. 




Act III] BEGGAR'S OPERA. 49 

Trapes. Fill it up ; I take as large draughts of liquor 
a l s I did of love ; I hate a flincher in either. 

AIR XLVI. A shepherd kept sheep, &c. 

In the days of my youth I could bill like a dove, 

fa, la, la, &c. 
Like a sparrow at all times was ready for love, fa, 

la, la, &c. 
The life of all mortals in kissing should pass, 
Lip to lip while we're young, then the lip to the 

glass, fa, la, la, &c. 

But now, Mr. Peachum, to our business. If you have 
blacks of any kind brought in of late, mantuas, velvet 
scarfs, petticoats, let it be what it will, I am your chap, 
for all my ladies are very fond of mourning. 

Peach. Why look ye, Mrs. Dye, you deal so hard with 
us that we can afford to give the gentlemen who venture 
their lives for the goods little or nothing. 

Trapes. The hard times oblige me to go very near in 
my dealing. To be sure, of late years, I have been a 
great sufferer by the parliament ; three thousand pounds 
would hardly make me amends. The act for destroying 
the mint was a severe cut upon our business ; till then, 
if a customer stept out of the way, we knew where to 
have her. No doubt you know Mrs. Coaxer ; there's a 
wench now, (till to-day,) with a good suit of clothes of 
mine upon her back, and I could never set eyes upon 
her for three months together. Since the act, too, 
against imprisonment for small sums, my loss there too 
hath been very considerable ; and it must be so when a 
lady can borrow a handsome petticoat or a clean gown, 
and I not have the least hank upon her ; and, o' my con- 
science, now-a-days most ladies take delight in cheating 
when they can do it with safety. 

Peach. Madam, you had a handsome gold watch of us 
th' other day for seven guineas ; considering we must 
have our profit, to a gentleman upon the road a gold 
watch will be scarce worth the taking. 

Trapes. Consider, Mr. Peachum, that watch was rev. 
markable, and not of very safe sale. If you have any 
"Slack velvet scarfs — thev are a handsome winter wear$ 



50 BEGGAR'S OPERA. [Gay 

and take with most gentlemen who deal with my custo- 
mers. 'Tis I that put the ladies upon a good foot : 'tis 
not youth or beauty that fixes their price ; the gentle- 
men always pay according to their dress, from half a crown 
to two guineas, and yet those hussies make nothing of 
bilking of me. Then, too, allowing for accidents, — I have 
eleven fine customers now down under the surgeon's 
hand : what with fees and k other expenses there are 
great goings out and no comings in, and not a farthing 
to pay for at least a month's clothing. We run great 
risks, great risks indeed. 

Peach. As I remember, you said something just now 
of Mrs. Coaxer. 

Trapes. Yes, sir, to be sure, I stripped her of a suit 
of my own clothes about two hours ago, and have left her, 
as she should be, in her shift, with a lover of hers, at my 
house. She called him up stairs as he was going to Ma- 
rybone in a hackney-coach, and I hope, for her own 
sake and mine, she will persuade the captain to redeem 
her, for the captain is very generous to the ladies. 

Lock. What captain ? 

Trapes. He thought I did not know him; an intimate 
acquaintance of yours, Mr. Peachum ; only captain Mac- 
heath, as fine as a lord. 

Peach. To-morrow, dear mrs. Dye, you shall set 
your own price upon any of the goods you like. We 
have at least half a dozen velvet scarfs, and all at your 
service. Will you give me leave to make you a present 
of this suit of night-clothes for your own wearing ? — but 
are you sure it is captain Macheath ? 

Trapes. Though he thinks I have forgot him, nobody 
knows him better. I have taken a great deal of the cap- 
tain's money in my time at second-hand, for he always 
loved to have his ladies well dressed. 

Peach. Mr. Lockit and I have a little business with 
the captain — you understand me — and we will satisfy 
you for Mrs. Coaxer's debt. 

Lock. Depend upon it, we will deal like men of ho- 
nour. 

Trapes. I don't inquire after your affairs, so, whatever 
happens, I wash my hands on't. It hath always been 
my maxim that one friend should assist another. — But 



Act III] BEGGAR'S OPERA. 51 

if you please, I'll take one of the scarfs home with me ; 
'tis always good to have something in hand. [exeunt 

scene — Newgate. 

enter luct. 

Lucy. Jealousy, rage, love, and fear, are at once tear- 
ing me to pieces. How I am weather-beaten and shat- 
tered with distresses ? 

AIR XL VII. One evening having lost my -way, 

I'm like a skiff on the ocean tost, 
Now high, now low, with each billow borne, 
With her rudder broke, and her anchor lost, 
Desertea and all forlorn. 
While thus I lie rolling and tossing all night, 
That Polly lies sporting on seas of delight, 
Revenge, revenge, revenge, 
Shall appease my restless sprite. 

I have the ratsbane ready : — I run no risk, for I can lay 
her death upon £he gin, and so many die of that natural- 
ly that I shall never be called in question. But say I 
were to be hanged, I never coujd be hanged for any 
thing that would give me greater comfort than the poi- 
soning that slut. 

* enter filch. 

Filch. Madam, here's Miss Polly come to wait upon 
you. 
Lucy. Show her in. 

enter polly. 

Dear Madam, your servant. I hope you will pardon my 
passion when I was so happy to see you last. I was so 
overrun with the spleen that I was perfectly out of my- 
self ; and, really, when one hath the spleen, every thing 
is to be excused by a friend. 

AIR XLVIII. JVow, Roger, FU tell thee, because 
thou 9 rt my son. 

When a wife's in her pout, 
(As she's sometimes, no doubt,) 



SZ BEGGAR'S OPERA. [Gay 

The good husband, as meek as a lamb, 

Her vapours to still, 

First grants her her will, 

And the quieting draught is a dram ; 

Poor man ! and the quieting draught is a dram. 

I wish all our quarrels might have so comfortable a re- 
conciliation. 

Polly. I have no excuse for my own behaviour, Ma- 
dam, but my misfortunes — and really, Madam, 1 suffer 
too much upon your account. 

Lucy. But, Miss Polly, in the way of friendship, will 
you give me leave to propose a glass of cordial to you ? 

Polly. Strong waters are apt to give me the headache. 
I hope, Madam, you will excuse me. 

Lucy. Not the greatest lady in the land could have 
better in her closet for her own private drinking. You 
seem mighty low in spirits, my dear. 

Polly. I am sorry, Madam, my health will not allow 
me to accept of your offer. I should not have left you 
in the rude manner I did when we met last, Madam, had 
not my papa hauled me away so unexpectedly. I was 
indeed somewhat provoked, and perhaps might use some 
expressions that were disrespectful, but really, Madam, 
the captain treated me with so much contempt and cru- 
elty, that I deserved your pity rather than your resent- 
ment. 

Lucy. But since his escape no doubt all matters are 
made up again. — Ah, Polly, Polly, 'tis I am the unhappy 
wife, and he loves you as if you were only his mistress. 

Polly. Sure, Madam, you cannot think me so happy 
as to be the object of your jealousy. A man is always 
afraid of a woman who loves him too well, so that I must 
expect to be neglected and avoided. 

Lucy. Then our cases, my dear Polly, are exactly- 
alike ; both of us indeed have been too fond. 

AIR XLIX. O Bessy Bell, &c. 

Polly. A curse attends that woman's love 
Who always would be pleasing. 

Lucy. The pertness of the billing dove* 
Like tickling, is but teasing. 



Act III] BEGGAR'S OPERA. 53 

Polly. What then in love can woman do ? 
Lucy. If we grow fond they shun us ; 
Polly. And when we fly them they pursue, 
Lucy. But leave us when they've won us. 

Lucy, Love is so very whimsical in both sexes, that 
it is impossible to be lasting : but my heart is particular, 
and contradicts my own observation. 

Polly. But really, Mistress Lucy, by his last behaviour 
I think I ought to envy you. When I was forced from 
him he did not show the least tenderness : — but perhaps 
he hath a heart not capable of it. 

AIR L. Would fate to me Belinda give. 

Among the men coquettes we find, 
Who court by turns all womankind, 
And we grant all their hearts desired 
When they are flatter'd and admir'd. 

The coquettes of both sexes are self-lovers, and that is 
a love no other whatever can dispossess. I fear, my dear 
Lucy, our husband is one of those. 

Lucy. Away with these melancholy reflections. In- 
deed, my dear Polly, we are both of us a cup too low ; 
let me prevail upon you to accept of my offer. 

AIR LI. Come, sweet lass. 

Come, sweet lass, 
Let's banish sorrow 
Till to-morrow ; 
Come, sweet lass, 
s Let's take a chirping glass. 
Wine can clear 
The vapours of despair, 
And make us light as air; 
Then drink and banish care. 

I can't bear, child, to see you in such low spirits, and I 
must persuade you to what I know will do you good. — 
I shall now soon be even with the hypocritical strum- 
pet. ( aside J [exit 
e2 



54 BEGGAR'S OPERA. [Gay 

Polly. All this wheedling of Lucy can't be for no- 
thing 1 ; — at this time too, when I know she hates me. — 
The dissembling of a woman is always the forerunner of 
mischief. By pouring strong waters down my throat 
she thinks to pump some secrets out of me. I'll be up- 
on my guard, and won't taste a drop of her liquor, I'm 
resolved. 

enter ltjcy, -with strong' waters. 

Lucy. Come, Miss Polly. 

Polly. Indeed, child, you have given yourself trouble 
to no purpose. You must, my dear, excuse me. 

Lucy. Really, Miss Polly, you are as squeamishly af- 
fected about taking a cup of strong waters as a lady be- 
fore company. I vow, Polly, I shall take it monstrously 
ill if you refuse me. Brandy and men, (though women 
love them never so well, are always taken by us with 
some reluctance — unless 'tis in private. 

Polly. I protest, madam, it goes against me. — What 
do I see — Macheath again in custody ? — now every glim- 
mering of happiness is lost ! ( drops the glass of liquor on 
the ground^) 

Lucy. Since things are thus, I'm glad the wench hath 
escaped, for by this event 'tis plain she was not happy 
enough to deserve to be poisoned, {aside) 

enter lockit, macheath, and peachum. 

Lock. Set your heart to rest, captain. You have nei- 
ther the chance of love or money for another escape, for 
you are ordered to be called down upon your trial imme- 
diately. 

Peach. Away, hussies ! this is not a time for a man to 
be hampered with his wives — you see the gentleman is 
in chains already. 

Lucy. O, husband, husband ! my heart longed to see 
thee, but to see thee thus distracts me ! 

Polly. Will not my dear husband look upon his Pol- 
ly ? — w hy hadst thou not flown to me for protection ? — 
with me thou hadst been safe. 

AIR lill. The last time I came o 9 er the moor. 

Polly. Hither, dear husband, turn your eyes, 
l/ucy. Bestow one glance to cheer me. 



Act III] BEGGARS OPERA. SS 

Polly. Think with that look thy Polly dies. 

Lucy. O shun me not, but hear me. 

Polly. 'Tis Polly sues. 

Lucy. 'Tis Lucy speaks. 

Polly. Is thus true love requited ? 

Lucy. My heart is bursting. 

Polly. Mine too breaks. 

Lucy. Must I — 

Polly. Must I be slighted ? 

Mac. What would you have me say, ladies ? you see 
this affair will soon be at an end without my disobliging 
either of you. 

Peach. But the settling this point, captain, might pre- 
vent a law-suit between your two widows. 

AIR LIII. Tom Tinker's my true love, &c. 

Mac. Which way shall I turn me — how can I de- 
cide ? 
Wives the. day of our death are as fond as a bride. 
One wife is too much for most husbands to hear, 
But two at a time there's no mortal can bear. 
This way, and that way, and which way I will, 
What would comfort the one, t'other wife would 
take ill. 

Polly. But if his own misfortunes have made him in- 
sensible to mine, a father, sure, will be more compas- 
sionate. Dear, dear sir, sink the material evidence, and 
bring him off at his trial : — Polly upon her knees begs ft 
of you. 

AIR LIV. / am a poor shepherd undone* 

When my hero in court appears, 
And stands arraigned for his life, 
Then think of your Polly's tears, 
For ah, poor Polly's his wife. 
Like the sailor he holds up his hand, 
Distressed on the dashing wave ; 
To die a dry death at land 
Is as bad as a watery grave; 
And alas, poor Polly ! 



56 BEGGAR'S OPERA. [Gay 

Alack, and well-a-day ! 

Before I was in love, 

Oh, every month was May. 

r Lucy. If Peachum's heart is hardened, sure you, sir, 
will have more compassion on a daughter. I know the 
evidence is in your power. — How then can you be a ty- 
rant to me ? C kneeling J 

AIR LV. Ianthe the lovely, &c. 

. When he holds up his hand, arraigned for his life, 

think of your daughter, and think I'm his wife. 
What are cannons, or bombs, or clashing of swords ? 
For death is more certain by witnesses' words : 
Then nail up their lips, that dread thunder allay, 
And each month of my life will hereafter be May. 

Lock. Macheath's time is come, Lucy. We know 
our own affairs, therefore let us have no more whimper- 
ing or whining. 

AIR LVI. A cobler there -was, &c. 

Ourselves, like the great, to secure a retreat, 
W T hen matters require it, must give up our gang ; 
And good reason why, 
Or, instead of the fry, 
Even Peachum and 1 
Like poor petty rascals might hang, hang, 
Like poor petty rascals might hang. 

Peach. Set your heart at rest, Polly — your husband 
is to die to-day, therefore if you are not already provU 
ded, 'tis high time to look about for another. There's 
comfort for you, you slut. 

Lock. We are ready, sir, to conduct you to the Old Bai- 
ley. 

AIR LVII. Bonny Dundee. 

Jllac. The charge is prepared, the lawyers are 
met, 
The judges all ranged, (a terrible show :) 

1 go undismayed, for death is a debt, 

A debt on demand— so take what I owe. 



Act III] BEGGAR'S OPERA. 57 

Then farewell, my love — clear charmers, adieu, 
Contented I die—'tis the better for you. 
Here ends all dispute the rest of our lives, 
For this way at once I, please all my wives. 

Now, gentlemen, I am ready to attend you. 

[exeunt Peacham, Lockit, and Macheaih 

Polly. Follow them, Filch, to the court, and when the 
trial is over bring 1 me a particular account of his beha- 
viour, and of every thing that happened. You'll find 
me here with Miss Lucy, {exit Filch) But why is all 
this music ? 

Lucy. The prisoners whose trials are put off till next 
session are diverting themselves. 

Polly. Sure there is nothing so charming as music. 
I'm fond of it to distraction : but, alas, now all mirth 
seems an insult upon my affliction. Let us retire, my 
dear Lucy, and indulge our sorrows ; the noisy crew, 
you see, are coming upon us. {exeunt 

a dance of prisoners in chains, &c, 

scene — the condemned hold, 
macheath in a melancholy posture* 

AIR LVIII. Happy groves. 

O cruel, cruel, cruel case ! 
Must I suffer this disgrace ? 

AIR L1X. Of all the girls that are so smart* 

Of all the friends in time of grief, 
When threatening death looks grimmer, 
Not one so sure can bring relief, 
As this best friend, a brimmer, {drinks) 

AIR LX. Britons strike home. 

Since I must swing, I scorn, I scorn to wince or 
whine, (rises) 



58 BEGGAR'S OPERA. [Gay 

AIR LXI. Chevy chase. 

But now again my spirits sink, 
I'll raise them high with wine, {drinks a glass of 



wine) 

AIR LXII. To old sir Simon the king* 

. Bat valour the stronger grows, 
The stronger liquor we're drinking, 
And how can we feel our woes, 
When we have lost the trouble of thinking ? {drinks) 

AIR LXIII. Joy to great Casar. 

If thus — a man can die 
Much bolder with brandy, (pours out a bumper of 
brandy J 

AIR LXIV. There was an old -woman, &c. 
So I drink off this bumper* — and now I can stand 
the test, 
And my comrades shall see that I die as brave as 
the best, {drinks) 

AIR LXV. Did you ever hear of a gallant sailor ? 

But can I leave my pretty hussies 
Without one tear or tender sigh ? 

AIR LXVI. Why are mine eyes still flowing ? 

Their eyes, their lips, their busses, 
Recall my love — ah, must I die ? 

I AIR LXVIL Green sleeves. 

Since laws were made for ev'ry degree, 
To curb vice in others, as well as in me, 
I wonder we haVt better company 
Upon Tyburn tree. 

But gold from law can take out the sting, 
And if rich men like us were to swing, 
'T would thin the land such numbers to string 
Upon Tyburn tree, 



Act III] BEGGAR'S OPERA. 59 

Jailor, Some friends of yours, captain, desire to be 
admitted — I leave you together. 

enter ben budge, and mat of the mint. 

Mac, For my having broke prison you see, gentlemen, 
I am ordered to immediate execution : the sheriff's offi- 
cers, I believe, are now at the door. That Jemmy 
Twitcher should peach me, I own, surprised me : 'tis a 
plain proof that the world is all alike, and that even our 
gang can no more {rust one another than other people ; 
therefore I beg you, gentlemen, look well to yourselves, 
for, in all probability, you may live some months longer. 

Mat. We are heartily sorry, captain, for your misfor- 
tune, but 'tis what we must all come to. 

Mac. Peachum and Lockit, you know, are infamous 
scoundrels ; their lives are as much in your power as 
yours are in theirs ; remember your dying friend — 'tis 
my last request. Bring those villains to the gallows 
before you, und I am satisfied. 

Mat. We'll do it. 

Jailor. Miss Polly and Miss Lucy intreat a word with 

you. 

Mac. Gentlemen, adieu. 

[exeunt ben Budge and Mat of the Mint 

enter xttcy aad polly. 

Mac. My dear Lucy, my dear Polly, whatsoever hath 
past between us is now at an end. If you are fond of 
marrying again, the best advice I can give you is to ship 
yourselves off for the West Indies, where you'll have a 
fair chance of getting a husband a-piece, or, by good 
luck, two or three, as you like best. 

Polly. How can I support this sight ? 

Lucy. There is nothing moves one so much as a great 
man in distress. 

AIR LXVIII. All you that must take a leap. 

Lucy. Would I might be hanged. 

Polly. And I would so too. 

Lucy. To be hanged with you, 

Polly. My dear with you. 

Mac. O, leave me to thought ; I fear, I doubt ; 



60 BEGGAR'S OPERA. [Gay 

I tremble, I droop : — see, my courage is out. (turn? 
up the empty bottle) 

Polly. No token of love ? 

Mac. See, my courage is out. {turns up the emp- 
ty pot) 

Lucy. No token of love ? 

Polly. Adieu. 

Lucy. Farewell. 

Mac. But hark, I hear the toll of the bell. 
Chorum. Toll de rol lol, &c. 

Jailor. Four women more, captain, with a child a-piece. 
See, here they come. 

enter -women and children, 

Mac. What, four wives more ? — this is too much. — 
Here, tell the sheriff's officers I am ready. [exeunt 

enter beggar and player. 

Play. But, honest friend, I hope you don't intend that 
Macheath shall be really executed. 

Beg. Most certainly, sir : to make the piece perfect I 
was for doing strict poetical justice. M'acheath is to be 
hanged ; and for the other personages of the drama, the 
audience must suppose they were all either hanged or 
transported. 

Play. Why then, friend, this is a downright deep tra- 
gedy. The catastrophe is manifestly wrong, for an ope- 
ra must end happily. 

Beg. Your objection is very just, and is easily remov- 
ed ; for you must allow that in this kind of drama 'tis no 
matter how absurdly things are brought about : so, you 
rabble there, run and cry a reprieve. — Let the prisoner 
be brought back to his wives in triumph. 

Play. All this we must do to comply with the taste 
of the town. 

Beg. Through the whole piece you may observe such 
a similitude of manners in high and low life, that it is 
difficult to determine whether (in the fashionable vices) 
the fine gentlemen imitate the gentlemen of the road, or 
the gentlemen of the road the fine gentlemen. Had the 
play remained as I at first intended, it would have car 



Act III] BEGGAR'S OPERA. 61 

ried a most excellent moral ; it would have shown that 
the lower sort of people have their vices in a degree as 
well as the rich, and that they are punished for them. 

enter to them macheath, -with rabble, &c. 

Mac. So it seems I am not left to my choice, but must 
have a wife at last. Look ye, my dears, we will have no 
controversy now. Let us give this day to mirth, and I 
am sure she who thinks herself my wife will testify her 
joy by a dance. 

Ml. Come, a dance, a dance ! 

Mac, Ladies, I hope you will give me leave to pre- 
sent a partner to each of you ; and (if I may without of- 
fence) for this time I take Polly for mine — and for life, 
you slut, for we were really married. As for the rest — 
but at present keep your own secret, (to Polly J 

(a dance J 

AIR LXIX. Lumps of pudding, &c. 

Thus I stand like a Turk, with his doxies around; 
From all sides their, glances his passion confound ; 
For black, brown, and fair, his inconstancy burns, 
And the different beauties subdue him by turns ; 
Each calls forth her charms to provoke his desires* 
Though willing to all, with but one he retires. 
Then think of this maxim, and put off all sorrow, 
The wretch of to-day may be happy to-morrow 
Chorus. Then think of this maxim, &c. 



THE END OF THE BEGGAR'S OPERA-. 



TABLE OF THE SONGS. 
ACT I. 



A IE PAGE 

I. Through all the employments of life. 5 

II. 'Tis woman that seduces all mankind. 6 

III. If any wench Venus's girdle wear. 8 

IV. If love the virgin's heart invade. 9 
V. A maid is like the golden ore. 10 

VI. Virgins are like the fair flower in its lustre. 12 
VII. Our Polly is a sad slut, nor heeds what we 

have taught her. 13 

VIII. Can love be controlled by advice ? 14 

IX. Oh, Polly, thou might have toyed and kissed. 15 

X. 1, like a ship, in storms was tossed. 15 

XI. A fox may steal your hens, sir. 16 

XII. Oh, ponder well, be not severe. 18 

XIII. The turtle thus, with plaintive crying. 18 

XIV. Pretty Polly, say-. 20 
XV. My heart was so free. 20 

XVI. Were I laid on Greenland's coast. 
XVII. Oh, what pain it is to part. 21 

XVIII. The miser thus a shilling sees. 22 

ACT II. 

XIX. Pill every glass, for wine inspires us. 23 

XX. Let us take the road. 25 

XXI. If the heart of a man is depressed with 

cares. 25 

XXII. Youth's the season made for joys. 27 

XXIII. Before the barn-door crowing. 28 

XXIV. The gamesters and lawyers are jugglers 

alike. 29^ 

XXV. At the tree I shall suffer with pleasure, 30 

XXVI. Man may escape from rope and gun* 31 



TABLE OF THE SONGS. 6? 

AIR PAG1T 

XXVII. Thus, when a good huswife sees a rat. 32* 

XXVIII. How cruel are the traitors. 32 
XXIX. The first time at the looking-glass. 34 

XXX. When you censure the age. 35 

XXXI. Is then his fate decreed, sir ? 36 

XXXII. You'll think, ere many days ensiie. 36 

XXXIII. If you at an office solicit your due. 37 

XXXIV. Thus when the swallow seeking prey. 38 
XXXV. How happy could I be with either. 3& 

XXXVI. I'm bubbled. 39 

XXXVII. Cease your funning. 39 

XXXVIII. Why, how now, Madam Flirt. 40 

XXXIX. No power on earth can e'er divide. 41 

XL. I, like the fox, shall grieve. 42 

ACT III. 

XLI. When young, at the bar you first taught 

me to score. 43 

XLII. My love is all madness and folly. 44 

XLIII. Thus gamesters united in friendship, &c. '45 
XLIV. The modes of the court so common are 

grown. 46 

XLV. What gudgeons are we men. 48 

XL VI. In the days of my youth I could bill like a 

dove. 49 

XL VII. f m like a skiff on the ocean tossed. 51 

XL VIII. When a wife's in her pout. 51 

XLIX. A curse attends that woman's love. 5% 

L. Among the men coquettes we find. 53 

LI. Come, sweet lass. 53 

LII. Hither, dear husband, turn your eyes. 54 

LIII. Which way shall I turn me ? 55 

LIV. When my hero in court appears. 55 

LV. When he holds up his hand, arraigned for 

his life. 56 

LVI. Ourselves, like the great, to secure a re- 
treat. 56 
LVII. The charge is prepared, the lawyers are 

met. 56 

LVIII. Oh cruel, cruel, cruel case. 57 



64 TABLE OF THE SONGS. „ 

I 

AIR PA6E 

LIX. Of all the friends in time of grief. 57 

JLX. Since I must swing — I scorn, I acorn to 

wince or whine. 57 

LXI. But now again my spirits sink. 58 

LXII. But valour the stronger grows. 58 

LXIII. If thus — a man can die. 58 

LXIV. Sol drink off this bumper — and now I can 

stand the test. 58 

LXV. But can I leave my pretty hussies. 58 

LXVI; Their eyes, their lips, their busses. 58 

LXVII. Since laws were made for every degree. 58 

LXV1II. Would I might be hanged ! 59 

LXIX. Thus I stand like a Turk with his doxies 

around.* 6.1 



Act I] BEGGAR'S OPERA. 13 

enter Mrs. peachum. 

AIR VII. O London is a fine to-wn ! 

Mrs. Peachum (in a very great passion) 

Our Polly is a sad slut 1 nor heeds what we have 
taught her ; 

I wonder any man alive will ever rear a daughter ! 

For she must have both hoods and gowns, and hoops 
to swell her pride, 

With scarfs and stays, and gloves and lace, and she 
will have men beside : 

And when she's drest with care and cost, all tempt- 
ing, fine, and gay, 

As men should serve a cucumber, she flings herself 
away. 

You baggage ! you hussy ! you inconsiderate jade ! had 
you been hanged it would not have vexed me, for that 
might have been your misfortune ; but to do such a mad 
thing by choice ! the wench is married, husband. 

Peach. Married ! the captain is a bold man, and will 
risk any thing for money : to be sure he believes her a 
fortune. Do you think your mother and I should have 
lived comfortably so long together if ever we had been 
married, baggage ? 

Mrs. Peach. I knew she was always a proud slut, and 
now the wench hath played the fool and married, be- 
cause, forsooth, she would do like the gentry. Can you 
support the expense of a husband, hussy, in gaming, 
drinking, and whoring ? have you money enough to car- 
ry on the daily quarrels of man and wife about who shall 
squander most ? there are not many husbands and wives 
who can bear the charges of plaguing one another in a 
handsome way. If you must be married, could you in- 
troduce nobody into our family but a highwayman ? why, 
thou foolish jade, thou wilt be as ill used and as much 
neglected as if thou hadst married a lord. 

Peach. Let not your anger, my dear, break through 

the rules of decency, for the captain looks upon himself 

in the military capacity as a gentleman by his profession. 

Besides what he hath already, I know he is in a fair way 

B 



14 BEGGAR'S OPERA. [Gay 

of getting or of dying ; and both these ways, let me tell 
you, are most excellent chances for a wife. Tell me, 
hussy, are you ruined or no ? 

Mrs. Peach. With Polly's fortune she might very well 
have gone off to a person of distinction : yes, that you 
might, you pouting slut ! 

Peach. What, is the wench dumb ? speak, or I'll make 
you plead by squeezing out an answer from you. Are 
you really bound wife to him, or are you only upon lik- 
ing ? C pinches her J 

Polly. Oh ("screaming J 

Mrs. Peach. How the mother is to be pitied who 
hath handsome daughters ! locks, bolts, bars, and lec- 
tures of morality, are nothing to them ; they break 
through them all ; they have as much pleasure in cheat- 
ing a father and mother as in cheating at cards. 

Peach. Why, Polly, I shall soon know if you are mar- 
ried by Macheath's keeping from our house. 

AIR VIII. Grim king of the ghosts, &c. 

Polly. Can love be controll'd by advice ^ 
Will Cupid our mothers obey ? 
Tho' my heart were as frozen as ice, 
At his flame 'twould have melted away. 
When he kiss'd me, so sweetly he press'd, 
'Twas so sweet that I must have comply'd, 
So I thought it both safest and best 
To marry, for fear you should chide. 

Mrs. Peach. Then all the hopes of our family are 
gone for ever and ever ! 

Peach. And Macheath may hang his father and mo- 
ther-in-law in hopes to get into their daughter's fortune. 

Polly. I did not marry him (as 'tis the fashion) coolly 
and deliberately for honour or money — but I love him. 

Mrs. Peach. Love him ! worse and worse ! I thought 
the girl had been better bred. Oh, husband, husband ! 
her folly makes me mad : my head swims, I'm distracted ! 
I can't support myself! — Oh ! ( faints J 

Peach. See, wench, to what a condition you have re- 
duced your poor mother; a glass of cordial this instant. 
How the poor woman takes it to heart ! 

[Polly goes out and returns ivith it 



Act I] BEGGAR'S OPERA. 15 

Ah, hussy ! now this is the only comfort your mother 
has left. 

Polly. Give her another glass, sir ; my mamma drinks 
double the quantity whenever she is out of order. This 
you see fetches her. 

Mrs. Peach. The girl shows such a readiness, and so 
much concern, that I could almost find in my heart to 
forgive her. 

AIR IX. O Jenny, Jenny, ivhere hast thou been P 

O Polly ! thou might have toyed and kissed ; 
By keeping men off you keep them on. 

Polly. But he so teased me, 
And he so pleas'd me, 
What I did you must have done. 

Mrs. Peach, Not with a highwayman, you sorry slut ! 

Peach. A word with you, wife. 'Tis no new thing 
for a wench to take a man without consent of parents. 
You know 'tis the frailty of woman, my dear ! 

Mrs. Peach. Yes, indeed, the sex is frail ; but the first 
time a woman is frail she should be somewhat nice me- 
thinks, for then or never is the time to make her fortune : 
after that she hath nothing to do but to guard herself 
from being found out, and she may do what she pleases, 

Peach. Make yourself a little easy ; I have a thought 
shall soon set all matters again to rights. Why so mel- 
ancholy Polly ? since what is done cannot be undone, we 
must all endeavour to make the best of it. 

Mrs. Peach. Well, Polly, as far as one woman can 
forgive another I forgive thee. Your father is too fond 
of you, hussy. 

Polly. Then all my sorrows are at an end. 

Mrs. Peach. A mightly likely speech, in troth, for a 
wench who is just married. 

AIR X. Thomas, I cannot, &c. 

Polly. I, like a ship in storms, was tost, 
Yet afraid to put into land ; 
For seiz'd in the port, the vessel's lost s 
Whose treasure is contraband. 



16 BEGGAR'S OPERA. [Gay 

The waves are laid, 
My duty's paid, 

joy beyond expression ! 
Thus safe ashore, 

1 ask no more, 

My all's in my possession. 

Peach. I hear customers in t'other room ; go talk 
with them, Polly, but come again as soon as they are 
gone. — But harkye, child, if 'tis the gentleman who was 
here yesterday about the repeating watch, say you be- 
lieve we cannot get intelligence of it till to-morrow, for 
I lent it to Suky Straddle to make a figure with to-night 
at a tavern in Drury-lane. If t'other gentleman calls for 
the silver-hilted sword, you know beetle-browed Jemmy 
hath it on, and he doth not come from Tunbridge till 
Tuesday night, so that it cannot be had till then, [ore* 
jPo%] Dear wife, be a little pacified ; don't let your pas- 
sion run away with your senses : Polly, I grant you, hath 
done a rash thing. 

Mrs. Peach. If she had had only an intrigue with the 
fellow, why the very best families have excused and 
huddled up a frailty of that sort. 'Tis marriage, husband, 
that makes it a blemish. 

Peach. But money, wife, is the true fuller's earth for 
reputations ; there is not a spot or a stain but what it can 
take out. A rich rogue now a days is fit company for 
any gentleman ; and the world, my dear, hath not such 
a contempt for roguery as you imagine. I tell you, wife, 
I can make this match turn to our advantage.' 

Mrs. Peach. I am very sensible, husband, that Cap- 
tain Macheath is worth money, but I am in doubt whether 
he hath not two or three wives already, and then if he 
should die in a session or two, Polly's dower would come 
into dispute. 

Peach. That indeed is a point which ought to be con- 
sidered. 

AIR XI. A soldier and a sailor. 

A fox may steal your hens, sir, 
A whore your health and pence, sir, 
Your daughter rob your chest, sir, 



Vet I] BEGGAR'S OPERA. 17 

Your wife may steal your rest, sir, 

A thief your goods and plate ; 

But this is all but picking", 

With rest, peace, chest, and chicken : 

It ever was decreed, sir, 

If lawyer's hand is fee'd, sir, 

He steals your whole estate. 

The lawyers are bitter enemies to those in our way ; 
they don't care that any body should get a clandestine 
livelihood but themselves. 

enter polly. * 

Polly. 'Twas only NimmingNed ; he brought in a da- 
mask window-curtain, a hoop petticoat, a pair of silver 
candlesticks, a periwig, and one silk stocking, from the 
lire that happened last night. 

Peach. There is not a fellow that is cleverer in his 
way, and saves more goods out of the fire, than Ned. 
But now, Polly, to your affair ; for matters must not be 
as they are. You are married then, it seems. 

Polly. Yes, sir. 

Peach. And how do you propose to live, child ? 

Polly. Like other women, sir, upon the industry of 
my husband. 

Mrs. Peach. What, is the wench turned fool ? a high- 
wayman s wife, like a soldier's, hath as little of his pay 
as of his company. 

Peach. And had you not the common views of a gen- 
tlewoman in your marriage, Polly ? 

Polly. I don't know what you mean, sir. 

Peach. Of a jointure, and of being a widow. 

Polly. But I love him, sir ; how then could I have 
thoughts of parting with him ? 

Peach. Parting with him ! why that is the whole 
scheme and intention of all marriage articles. The com- 
fortable estate of widowhood is the only hope that keeps 
up a wife s spirits. Where is the woman who would 
scruple to be a wife if she had it in her power to be a 
widow whenever she pleased? if you have any views of 
tins sort, Polly, 1 shall think the match not so very un- 
sonable. 



18 BEGGAR'S OPERA. [Gay 

Polly. How I dread to hear your advice ! yet I must 
beg 1 you to explain yourself. 

Peach. Secure what he hath got, get him peached 
the next sessions, and then at once you are made a rich 
widow. 

Polly. What, murder the man I love ! the blood runs 
cold at my heart with the very thought of it. 

Peach. Fy, Polly ! what hath murder to do in the af- 
fair ? since the thing sooner orpater must happen, I dare 
say the captain himself would like that we should get 
the reward for his death sooner than a stranger. Why, 
Polly, the captain knows that as it is his employment 
to rob, so it is ours to take robbers ; every man in his 
business : so that there is no malice in the case. 

Mrs. Peach. Ay, husband, now you have nicked the 
matter. To have him peached is the only thing could 
ever make me forgive her. 

AIR XII. JVbw ponder well, ye parents dear. 

Polly. Oh ponder well ! be not severe ; 
To save a wretched wife, 
*\ For on the rope that hangs my dear, 
Depends poor Polly's life. 

Mrs. Peach. But your duty to your parents, hussy, 
obliges you to hang him. What would many a wife 
give for such an opportunity ? 

Polly. What is a jointure, what is widowhood to me ? 
I know my heart ; 1 cannot survive him. 

AIR XIII. Le print ems rappelle anx armes. 

The turtle thus with plaintive crying, 
Her lover dying, 

The turtle thus with plaintive crying, 
Laments her dove ; 

Down she drops quite spent with sighing, 
Pair'd in death as paired in love. 

Thus, sir, it will happen to your poor Polly. 

Mrs. Peach. What! is the fool in love in earnest then? 
I hate thee for being particular. Why, wench, thou 
art a shame to thy very sex. 

Point . But hear me, mother — if you ever loved-*- 



Act I] BEGGAR'S OPERA. 19 

Mrs, Peach. Those cursed playbooks she reads have 
been her ruin. One word more, hussy, and I shall knock 
your brains out, if you have any. 

Peach. Keep out of the way, Polly, for fear of mis- 
chief, and consider of what is proposed to you. 

Mrs. Peach. Away, hussy ; hang your husband, and 
be dutiful. (Polly 'listening) The thing", husband, must 
and shall be done. For the sake of intelligence we 
must take other measures, and have him peached the 
next session, without her consent. If she will not know 
her duty, we know ours. 

Peach. But really, my dear, it grieves one's heart to 
take off a great man. When I consider his personal 
bravery, his fine stratagems, how much we have already 
got by him, and how much more we may get, methinks 
I cannot find it in my heart to have a hand in his death : 
I wish you could have made Polly undertake it. 

Mrs. Peach. But in a case of necessity — our own 
lives are in danger. 

Peach. Then, indeed, we must comply with the cus- 
toms of the world, and make gratitude give way to inte- 
rest. — He shall be taken off. 

Mrs. Peach. I'll undertake to manage Polly. 

Peach. And I'll prepare matters for the Old Bailey. 
[exeunt Peachum and Mrs. Peachum 

Polly. Now I'm a wretch indeed. — Methinks I see 
him already in the cart, sweeter and more lovely than 
the nosegay in his hand; —I hear the crowd extolling 
his resolution and intrepidity : — what vollies of sighs are 
sent from the windows of Holborn that so comely a 
youth should be brought to disgrace : — 1 see him at the 
tree ! — the whole circle are in tears ; — even butchers 
weep ; — Jack Ketch himself hesitates to perform his du- 
ty, and would be glad to lose his fee by a reprieve : what 
then will become of Polly ? as yet I may inform him of 
their design, and aid him in his escape. — It shall be so. 
— But then he flies, absents himself, and I bar myself 
from his dear, dear conversation : that too will distract 
me. If he keeps out of the way, my papa and mamma may 
in time relent, and we may be happy — if he stays he is 
hanged, and then he is lost for ever ! — he intended to 
lie concealed in my room till the dusk of the evening. 



20 BEGGAR'S OPERA. [Gay 

If they are abroad I'll this instant let him out, lest some 
accident should prevent him. 

[exit and returns -with Macheath 

AIR XIV. Pretty parrot, say, &c. 

Mac. Pretty Polly, say, 
When I was away, 
Bid your fancy never stray 
To some newer lover ? 

Polly. Without disguise, 
Heaving sighs, 
Doting eyes, 
My constant heart discover. 
Fondly let me loll. 

Mac, O pretty, pretty Poll ! 

Polly. And are you as fond of me as ever, my dear ? 

Mac. Suspect my honour, my courage, suspect any 
thing but my love. — May my pistols miss fire, and my 
mare slip her shoulder while I am pursued, if I ever for- 
sake thee ! 

Polly. Nay, my dear, I have no reason to doubt you, 
for I find in the romance you lent me none of the great 
heroes were ever false in love, 

AIR XV. Pray, fair one, be kind. 

Mac. My heart was so free, 
It rov'd like the bee, 
Till Polly my passion requited ; 
I sipp'd each flow'r, 
I chang'd ev'ry hour, 
But here ev'ry flow'r is united. 

Polly. Were you sentenced to transportation, sure, 
my dear, you could not leave me behind you — could 
you ? 

Mac. Is there any power, any force, that could tear 
me from thee ? you might sooner tear a pension out of 
the hands of a courtier, a fee from a lawyer, a pretty 
woman from a looking-glass, or any woman from quad- 
rille — but to tear me from thee is impossible ! 



Act I] BEGGAR'S OPERA. 21 

AIR XVI. Over the hills an] far aivay, 

Mac, Were I laid on Greenland's coast, 
And in my arms embrac'd my lass, 
Warm amidst eternal frost, 
Too soon the half year's night would pass. 

Polly. Were I sold on Indian soil, 
Soon as the burning day was clos'd, 
I could mock the sultry toil, 
When on my charmer's breast repos'd. 

Mac. And I would love you all the day. 

Polly. Every night would kiss and play. 

Mac. If with me you'd fondly stray. 

Polly. Over the hills and far away. 

Polly. Yes, I would go with thee. But oh, how sha 11 
I speak it ? I must be torn from thee — we must part ! 

Mac. How, part ! 

Polly. We must, we must : my papa and mamma are 
set against thy life : they now, even now, are in search 
after thee : they are preparing evidence against thee : 
thy life depends upon a moment. 

AIR XVII. Gin thou ivert my oivn thing. 

O what pain it is to part ! 
Can I leave thee, can I leave thee ? 
O what pain it is to part ! 
Can thy Polly ever leave thee ? 
But lest death my love should thwart, 
And bring thee to the fatal cart, 
Thus I tear thee from my bleeding heart ; 
Fly hence, and let me leave thee. 

One kiss, and then one kiss — begone — farewell ! 

Mac. My hand, my heart, my dear, is so rivetted to 
thine that I cannot unloose my hold. 

Polly. But my papa may intercept thee, and then I 
should lose the very glimmering of hope. A few weeks 
perhaps may reconcile us all. Shall thy Polly hear from 
thee ? 

Mac. Must I then go ? 

Polly. And will not absence change your love ? 



22 BEGGAR'S OPERA. [Gay 

Mac. If you cjoubt it let me stay — and be hanged. 

Polly. O, how I fear, how I tremble ! go, but when 
safety will give you leave, you will be sure to see me 
again, for till then Polly is wretched. 

AIR XVni. O, the broom, &c. 

( parting, and looking bach at each other with fondness, 
he at one door, she at the other. J 

Mac. The miser thus a shilling sees, 
Which he's oblig'd to pay, 
With sighs resigns it by degrees, 
And fears 'tis gone for aye. 

Polly. The boy thus, when his sparrow's flown, 
The bird in silence eyes, 
But soon as out of sight 'tis gone, 
Whines, whimpers, sobs, and cries. 



ACT II. 

scene — a tavern near Newgate. 

Jemmy Twitcher, Crookfingered Jack, Wat Dreart, 
Robin of Bagshot, Nimming Ned, Harrt Padding- 
ton, Mat of the Mint, Ben Budge, and the rest of the 
gang, at the table, -with wine, brandy, and tobacco. 

Ben. But prithee, Mat, what is become of thy brother 
Tom ? I have not seen him since my return from trans- 
portation. 

Mat. Poor brother Tom had an accident this time 
twelvemonth, and so clever made a fellow he was that I 
could not save him from those fleaing rascals the sur- 
geons, and now, poor man, he is among the otamys at 
Surgeons' Hall. 

Ben. So it seems his time was come. 

Jem. But the present time is ours, and nobody alive hath 
more. Why are the laws levelled at us ? are we more 
dishonest than the rest of mankind ? what we win, gen- 
tlemen, is our own by the law of arms and the right of 
conquest. 



Act II] BEGGAR'S OPERA. 23 

Crook. Where shall we find such another set of prac- 
tical philosophers, who, to a man, are above the fear of 
death ? 

Wat. Sound men and true ! 

Robin. Of tried courage and indefatigable industry ! 

Ned. Who is there here that would not die for his 
friend ? 

Harry. Who is there here that would betray him for 
his interest ? 

Mat. Show me a gang of courtiers that can say as 
much. 

Ben. We are for a just partition of the world, for 
every man hath a right to enjoy life. 

Mat. We retrench the superfluities of mankind. The 
world is avaricious, and I hate avarice, A covetous fel- 
low, like a jackdaw, steals what he was never made to 
enjoy, for the sake of hiding it. These are the robbers 
of mankind ; for money was made for the free-hearted 
and generous : and where is the injury of taking from 
another what he hath not the heart to make use of? 

Jem. Our several stations for the day are fixed. Good 
luck attend us all. Fill the glasses. 

AIR XIX. Fill ev'ry glass, &c. 

Mat. Fill ev'ry glass, for wine inspires us, 
And fires us 

With courage, love, and joy. 
Women and wine should life employ ; 
Is there ought else on earth desirous ? 

Chorus. Fill ev'ry glass, &c. 



enter macheath. 

Mac. Gentlemen, well met : my heart hath been with 
you this hour, but an unexpected affair hath detained 
me. No ceremony, I beg you. 

Mat. We were just breaking up to go upon duty, 
Am I to have the honour of taking the air with you, sir, 
this evening upon the Heath ? I drink a dram now and 
then with the stagecoachmen in the way of friendship 
and intelligence, and I know that about this time there 



24 BEGGAR'S OPERA. [Gay 

will be passengers upon the western road who are worth 
speaking with. 

Mac. I was to have been of that party, but 

Mat. But what, sir ? 

Mac. Is there any man who suspects my courage ? 

Mat. We have all been witnesses of it. 

Mac. My honour and truth to the gang ? 

Mat. I'll be answerable for it. 

Mac. In the division of our booty, have I ever shown 
the least marks of avarice or injustice ? 

Mat. By these questions something seems to have 
ruffled you. Are any of us suspected ? 

Mac. I have a fixed confidence, gentlemen, in you all 
as men of honour, and as such I value and respect you. 
Peachum is a man that is useful to us. 

Mat. Is he about to play us any foul play ? I'll shoot 
him through the head. 

Mac. I beg you, gentlemen, act with conduct and 
discretion. A pistol is your last resort. 

Mat. He knows nothing of this meeting. 

Mac. Business cannot go on without him : he is a man 
who knows the world, and is a necessary agent to us. 
We have had a slight difference, and till it is accommo- 
dated I shall be obliged to keep out of his way. Any 
private dispute of mine shall be of no ill consequence 
to my friends. You must continue to act under his di- 
rection, for the moment we break loose from him our 
gang is ruined. 

Mat. As a bawd to a whore, I grant you, he is to us 
of great convenience. 

Mac. Make him believe I have quitted the gang, 
which I can never do but with life. At our private 
quarters I will continue to meet you. A week or so 
will probably reconcile ns. 

Mat. Your instructions shall be observed. 'Tis now 
high time for us to repair to our several duties ; so, till 
the evening, at our quarters in Moorfields, we bid you 
farewell. 

Mac. I shall wish myself with you. Success attend 
you. C sits down melancholy at the table. ) 



Act II] . BEGGAR'S OPERA. 25 

AIR XX. March in Rinaldo, with drums and trumpets. 

Mat. Let us take the road : 
Hark ! I hear the sound of coaches : 
The hour of attack approaches, 
To your arms, brave boys, and load. 
~ See the ball I hold ; 
Let the chymists toil like asses, ' 

Our fire their fire surpasses, 
And turns all our lead to gold. 

{the gang, ranged in the front of the stage, load their pis- 
tols, and stick them under their girdles, then go off sing- 
ing the first part in chorus J 

Mac. What a fool is a fond wench ! Polly is most con- 
foundedly bit. I love the sex, and a man who loves mo- 
ney might as well be contented with one guinea as I with 
one woman. The town, perhaps, has been as much 
obliged to me for recruiting it with free-hearted ladies 
as to any recruiting officer in the army. If it were not 
for us and the other gentlemen of the sword, Drury-lane 
would be uninhabited. 

AIR XXI. Woidd you have a young virgin^ &c. 

If the heart of a man is depress'd with cares, 
The mist is dispell'd when a woman appears ; 
Like the notes of a fiddle she sweetly, sweetly, 
Raises the spirits and charms our ears, 
Roses and lilies her cheeks disclose, 
But her ripe lips are more sweet than those. 

Press her, 

Caress her, 

With blisses 

Her kisses 
Dissolve us in pleasure and soft repose. 

I must have women ; there is nothing unbends the mind 
like them ; money is not so strong a cordial for the time. 
Drawer ! 

enter drawer. 

Is the porter gone for all the ladies, according to my di- 
rections ? 

C 



26 BEGGAR'S OPERA. [Gay 

Draw, I expect him back every minute ; but you know* 
sir, you sent him as far as Hockley in the Hole for three 
of the ladies, for one in Vinegar-yard, and for the rest of 
them somewhere about Lewkner's lane. Sure some of 
them are below, for I hear the bar-bell. As they come 
I will shew them up. Coming*, coming ! [exit 

enter Mrs. coaxer, dolly trull, Mrs. vixen, betty 

BOXY, JENNY DIVER, Mrs. SLAMMEKIN, SUKY TAWDRY, 
and MOLLY BRAZEN. 

Mac. Dear Mrs. Coaxer, you are welcome ; you look 
charmingly to-day : I hope you don't want the repairs of 
quality, and lay on paint. — Dolly Trull, kiss me, you 
slut ! are you as amorous as ever, hussy ? you are always 
so taken up with stealing hearts, that you don't allow 
yourself time to steal any thing else : ah, Dolly, thou 
wilt ever be a coquette ! — Mrs. Vixen, I'm yours ; I al- 
ways loved a woman of wit and spirit ; they make charm- 
ing mistresses, but plaguy wives. — Betty Doxy, come 
hither, hussy ; do you drink as hard as ever ? you had bet- 
ter stick to good wholesome beer, for in troth, Betty, 
strong waters will in time ruin your constitution ; you 
should leave those to your betters. — What, and my pret- 
ty Jenny Diver too, as prim and demure as ever ! there 
is not any prude, though ever so high-bred, hath a more 
sanctified look, with a more mischievous heart : ah, thou 
art a dear artful hypocrite. — Mrs. Slammekin, as careless 
and genteel as ever; all you fine ladies who know your 
own beauty affect an undress. — But see, here's Suky 
Tawdry come to contradict what I was saying ; every 
thing she gets one way, she lays out upon her back : 
why, Suky, you must keep at least a dozen tallymen. — 
Molly Brazen ! (~she kisses him J " that's well done ; I 
love a free-hearted wench : thou hast a most agreeable 
assurance, girl, and art as willing as a turtle." — But hark, 
I hear music : "the harper is at the door. If music be 
the food of love play on." Ere you seat yourselves, la- 
dies, what think you of a dance ? come in. 

enter harper. 

Play the French tune that Mrs. Slammekin was so fond 
of. 



Act II] BEGGAR'S OPERA. 27 

C" a dance a la ronde, in the French manner ; near the 
end of it this song and chorus" J 

AIR XXII. Cotillion. 

Youth's the season made for joys, 
Love is then our duty ; 
She alone who that employs, 
Well deserves her beauty. 
Let's be gay 
While we may, 
Beauty's a flow'r despis'd in decay. 

Chorus. Youth's the season, &c. 

Let us drink and sport to-day, 
Ours is not to-morrow ; 
Love with youth flies swift away, 
Age is nought but sorrow. 
Dance and sing, 

Time's on the wing, ^ 

Life never knows the return of spring. 
Chorus. Let us drink, &c. 

Mac. Now pray, ladies, take your places. Here fel- 
low. Cpays the harper J Bid the drawer bring us more 
wine, {exit harper) If any of the ladies chuse gin, I hope 
they will be so free to call for it. 

Jenny. You look as if you meant me. Wine is strong 
enough for me. Indeed, sir, I never drink strong wa- 
ters but when I have the cholic. 

Mac. Just the excuse of the fine ladies : why, a lady 
of quality is never without the cholic. I hope, Mrs. 
Coaxer, you have had good success of late in your visits 
among the mercers. 

Coax. We have so many interlopers ; yet with indus- 
try one may still have a little picking. I carried a sil- 
ver-flowered lute-string and a piece of black padesoy to 
Mr. Peachum's lock but last week. 

Vix. There's Molly Brazen hath the ogle of a rattle* 
snake : she rivetted a linen-draper's eye so fast upon her, 
that he was nicked of three pieces of cambrick before 
he could look off, 



28 BEGGAR'S OPERA. [Gay 

Braz. Oh, dear madam ! — but sure nothing' can come 
up to your handling* of laces ; and then you have such a 
sweet deluding tongue : to cheat a man is nothing ; but 
the woman must have fine parts indeed who cheats a 
woman. 

Vix. Lace, madam, lies in a small compass, and- is of 
easy conveyance. But you are apt, madam, to think too 
well of your friends. 

Coax. If any woman hath more art than another, to 
be sure 'tis Jenny Diver : though her fellow be never so 
agreeable, she can pick his pocket as coolly as if money 
were her only pleasure. Now that is a command of the 
passions uncommon in a woman. 

Jenny. I never go to the tavern with a man but in the 
view of business. I have other hours, and other sort of 
men, for my pleasure : but had I your address, madam — 

Mac. Have done with your compliments, ladies, and 
drink about. You are not so fond of me, Jenny, as you 
used to be. 

Jenny. 'Tis not convenient, sir, to shew my fondness 
among so many rivals. 'Tis your own choice, and not 
the warmth of my inclination, that will determine you* 

AIR XXIII. All in a misty morning. 

Before the barn-door crowing", 
The cock by hens attended, 
H<s eyes around him throwing, 
Stands for a while suspended ; 
Then one he singles from the crew, 
And cheers the happy hen, 
"With how do you do, and how do you do, 
And how do you do again ? 

Mac. Ah, Jenny, thou art a dear slut ! 

Trull. Pray, madam, were you ever in keeping f 

Ta-wd. I hope, madam, I ha'n't been so long upon 
the town but I have met with some good fortune as well 
as my neighbours. 

Trull, Pardon me, madam, I meant no harm by the 
question; 'twas only in the way of conversation. 

Tatvd. Indeed, madam, if I had not been a fool, I might 
have lived very handsomely with my last friend; but up- 



Act II] BEGGAR'S OPERA. 29. 

on his missing 1 five guineas he turned me off. Now I 
never suspected he had counted them. 
, Slam. Who do you look upon, madam, as your best 
sort of keepers ? 

Trull. That, madam, is thereafter as they be. 

Slam. I, madam, was once kept by a Jew, and bating 
their religion, to women they are a good sort of people. 

Tawd. Now for my part I own I like an old fellow, for 
we always make them pay for what they can't do. 

Vix. A spruce 'prentice, let me tell you, ladies, is 
no ill thing ; they bleed freely : I have sent at least two 
or three dozen of them in my time to the plantations. 

Jen. But to be sure, sir, with so much good fortune 
as you have had upon the road, you must be grown im- 
mensely rich. 

Mac. The road indeed hath done me justice, but the 
gaming-table hath been my ruin. 

AIR XXIV. When once Hay -with another man's "wife, &?c. 

Jenny. The gamesters and lawyers are jugglers 
alike, 
If they meddle, your all is in danger ; 
Like gipsies, if once they can finger a souse, 
Your pockets they pick, and they pilfer your house, 
And give your estate to a stranger. 

A man of courage should never put any thing to the risk 
but his life. These are the tools of a man of honour : 
cards and dice are only fit for cowardly cheats who prey 
upon their friends. {she takes up his pistol. Tawdry takes 
up the other) 

Ta-wd. This, sir, is fitter for your hand. Besides 
your loss of money, 'tis a loss to the ladies. Gaming 
takes you off from women. How fond could I be of 
you, but before company 'tis ill bred. 

Mac. Wanton hussies ! 

Jen. I must and will have a kiss to give my wine a 
zest, {they take him about the neck, and make signs to Pea- 
chum and constables, ivho rush in upon him) 

Peach. I seize you, sir, as my prisoner. 

<Mae. Was this well done, Jenny ? — women are decoy 



30 BEGGAR'S OPERA. [Gay 

ducks ; who can trust them ? beasts, jades, jilts, harpies, 
furies, whores ! 

Peach. Your case, Mr. Macheath, is not particular. 
The greatest heroes have been ruined by women. But 
to do them justice I must own they are a pretty sort of 
creatures if" we could trust them. You must now, sir, 
take your leave of the ladies ; and if they have a mind to 
make you a visit they will be sure to find you at home. 
This gentleman, ladies, lodges in Newgate. Constables, 
wait upon the Captain to his lodgings. 

AIR XXV. When first I laid siege to my Chloris. 

Mac, At the tree I shall suffer with pleasure, 
At the tree I shall suffer with pleasure, 
Let me go where I will, 
In all kinds of ill, 
I shall find no such furies as these are. 

Peach. Ladies, I'll take care the reckoning shall be 
discharged. 

[exit JWacheath, guarded, -with Peachum and constables 

Vix. Look ye, Mrs. Jenny, though Mr. Peachum may 
have made a private bargain with you and Suky Tawd- 
ry for betraying the Captain, as we were all assisting, we 
ought all to share alike. 

Coax. I think, Mr. Peachum, after so long an acquain- 
tance, might have trusted me as well as Jenny Diver. 

Slam. I am sure at least three men of his hanging, and 
in a year's time too, (if he did me justice) should be set 
down to my account. 

Trull. Mrs. Slammekin, that is not fair, for you know 
one of them was taken in bed with me. 

Jen. As far as a bowl of punch or a treat, I believe 
Mrs. Suky will join with me : as for any thing else, la- 
dies, you cannot in conscience expect it. 

Slam. Dear madam 

Trull. I would not for the world 

Slam. 'Tis impossible for me 

Trull. As 1 hope to be saved, madam 

Slam. Nay, then I must stay here all night 

TrulL Since you command me. 

[exeunt -with great ceremony 



Act II] BEGGAR'S OPERA, 31 

scewe — Newgate. 

enter lockit, turnkeys, macheath, and constables,' 

Lock. Noble Captain, you are welcome ; you have not 
been a lodger of mine this year and a half. You know 
the custom, sir ; garnish, Captain, garnish. Hand me 
down those fetters there. 

Mac. Those, Mr. Lockit, seem to be the heaviest of 
the whole set. With your leave I should like the fur- 
ther pair better. 

Lock. Look ye, Captain, we know what is fittest for 
our prisoners. When a gentleman uses me with civili- 
ty, I always do the best I can to please him. — Hand them 
down, I say. — We have them of all prices, from one gui- 
nea to ten, and 'tis fitting every gentleman should please 
himself. 

Mac. I understand you, sir. (gives money J The fees 
here are so many, and so exorbitant, that few fortunes 
can bear the expense of getting off handsomely, or of 
dying like a gentleman. 

Lock. Those, I see, will fit the Captain better. Take 
down the further pair : do but examine them, sir — never 
was better work : how genteely they are made : they 
will sit as easy as a glove, and the nicest man in England 
might not be ashamed to wear them, (he puis on the 
chains) If I had the best gentleman in the land in my 
custody I could not equip him more handsomely. And 
so, sir, 1 now leave you to your private meditations. 

[exeunt Lockit, turnkeys, and constable'! 

AIR XXVI. Courtiers, courtiers, think it no harm. 

Mac. Man may escape from rope and gun, 
Nay, some have outliv'd the doctor's pill ; 
Who takes a woman must be undone, 
That basilisk is sure to kill. 
The fly that sips treacle is lost in the sweets, 
So he that tastes woman, woman, woman, 
He that tastes woman ruin meets. 

To what a woful plight have I brought myself ! here 
must I (all day long, till I am hanged) be confined to 



32 BEGGAR'S OPERA. [Gay 

hear the reproaches of a wench who lays her ruin at my 

door. 1 am in the custody of her father, and to be 

sure, if he knows of the matter, I shall have a fine time 
on't betwixt this and my execution. — But I promised the 
wench marriage. — What signifies a promise to a wo- 
man ? does not man in marriage itself promise a hundred 
things that he never means to perform ? do all we can, 
women will believe us ; for they look upon a promise as 
an excuse for followingtheir own inclinations. — But here 

comes Lucy, and I cannot get from her would I were 

deaf. 

enter luct. 

Lucy. You base man, you ! — how can you look me in 
the face after what hath past between us ? — see here, 
perfidious wretch, how I am forced to bear about the 
load of infamy you have laid upon me. — Oh, Macheath, 
thou hast robbed me of my quiet !— to see thee tortured 
would give me pleasure ! 

AIR XXVII. Ji lovely lass to a friar came. 

Thus when a good huswife sees a rat 
In her trap in the morning taken, 
With pleasure her heart goes pit a pat, 
In revenge for her loss of bacon ; 
Then she throws him 
To the dog or cat, 
To be worried, crushed, and shaken. 

Mac. Have you no bowels, no tenderness, my dear 
Lucy, to see a husband in these circumstances ? 

Lucy. A husband! 

Mac. In every respect but the form, and that, my 
dear, may be said over us at any time. — Friends should, 
not insist upon ceremonies. From a man of honour his 
word is as good as his bond. 

Lucy. 5 Tis the pleasure of all you fine men to insult 
the women you have ruined. 

AIR XXVIII. 'Twas ivhen the sea was roaring. 

How cruel are the traitors 
Who lie and swear in jest. 



Act II] BEGGAR'S OPETU. 33 

To cheat unguarded creatures 
Of virtue, fame, and rest : 
Whoever steals a shilling, 
Thro* shame the guilt conceals ; 
In love the perjur'd villain 
With boasts the theft reveals. 

Mac. The very first opportunity, my dear, (have but 
patience) you shall be my wife in whatever manner you 
please. 

Lucy. Insinuating monster ! and so you think I know 
nothing of the affair of Miss Polly Peachum ? — I could 
tear thy eyes out. 

Mac. Sure, Lucy, you can't be such a fool as to be 
jealous of Polly ! 

Lucy. Are you not married to her, you brute you ? 

Mac. Married ! very good : the wench gives it out on- 
ly to vex thee, and to ruin me in thy good opinion. *Tis 
true I go to the house, I chat with the girl, I kiss her, I 
say a thousand things to her (as all gentlemen do) that 
mean nothing, to divert myself ; and now the silly jade 
hath set it about that I am married to her, to let me know 
what she would be at. Indeed, my dear Lucy, these vi- 
olent passions may be of ill consequence to a woman in 
your condition. 

Lucy. Come, come, Captain, for all your assurance, 
you know that Miss Polly hath put it out of your power 
to do me the justice you promised me. 

Mac. A jealous woman believes every thing her pas- 
sion suggests. To convince you of my sincerity, if we 
can find the Ordinary I shall have no scruples of making 
you my wife ; and I know the consequence of having 
two at a time. 

Lucy. That you are only to be hanged, and so get 
rid of them both. 

Mac. I am ready, my dear Lucy, to give you satisfac- 
tion, if you think there is any in marriage. — What can a 
man of honour say more ? 

Lucy. So then it seems you are not married to Miss Pol- 

Mac. You know, Lucy, the girl is prodigiously conceit- 
ed : no man can say a civil thing to her, but (like other 



34 BEGGAR'S OPERA. [Gay 

fine ladies) her vanity makes her think he's her own for 
ever and ever. 

AIR XXIX. The sun had loos' d his iveary teams. 

The first time at the looking-glass 
The mother sets her daughter, 
The image strikes the smiling lass 
With self-love ever after : 
Each time she looks, she, fonder grown, 
Thinks ev'ry charm grows stronger, 
But alas, vain maid, all eyes but your own, 
Can see you are not younger. 

When women consider their own beauties they are all 
alike unreasonable in their demands, for they expect 
their lovers should like them as long as they like them- 
selves. 

Lucy. Yonder is my father : perhaps this way we 
may light upon the Ordinary, who shall try if you will 
be as good as your word, for I long to be made an honest 
woman. [exeunt 

enter peachum and lockit with an account-book. 

Loch. In this last affair, brother Peachum, we are 
agreed. You have consented to go halves in Macheath. 

Peach. We shall never fall out about an execution. 
But, as to that article, pray how stands our last year's 
account ? 

Lock. If you will run your eye over it you will find 
'tis fair and clearly stated. 

Peach. This long arrear of the government is very 
hard upon us. Can it be expected that we should hang 
our acquaintance for nothing, when our betters will hard- 
ly save theirs without being paid for it. Unless the peo* 
pie in employment pay better, I promise them for the 
future I shall let other rogues live besides their own. 

Lock. Perhaps, brother, they are afraid these matters 
may be carried too far. We are treated, too, by them 
with contempt, as if our profession were not reputable. 

Peach. In one respect, indeed, our employment may 
be reckoned dishonest, because, like great statesmen* 
we encourage those who betray their friends. 



Act II] BEGGAR'S OPERA. 35 

Loch, Such language, brother, any where else might 
turn to your prejudice. Learn to be more guarded, 
I beg you. 

AIR XXX. How happy are we, &c. 

When you censure the age 
Be cautious and sage, 
Lest the courtiers offended should be ; 
If you mention vice or bribe, 
'Tis so pat to all the tribe, 
Each cries — that was levelled at me. 

Peach. Here's poor Ned Clincher's name, I see : sure, 
brother Lockit, there was a little unfair proceeding in 
Ned's case, for he told me in the condemned hold, that, 
for value received, you had promised him a session or 
two longer without molestation. 

Lock. Mr. Peachum, this is the first time my honour 
was ever called in question. 

Peach. Business is at an end if once we act dishonour- 
ably. 

Loch. Who accuses me ? 

Peach, You are warm, brother. 

Loch. He that attacks my honour attacks my liveli- 
hood — and this usage — sir — is not to be borne. 

Peach. Since you provoke me to speak, I must tell 
you too, that Mrs. Coaxer charges you with defrauding 
her of her information-money for the apprehending of 
curl-pated Hugh. Indeed, indeed, brother, we must 
punctually pay our spies, or we shall have no informa- 
tion. 

Loch. Is this language to me, sirrah, who have saved 
you from the gallows, sirrah ? (collaring each other J 

Peach. If I am hanged, it shall be for ridding the world 
of an errant rascal. 

Loch. This hand shall do the office of the halter you 
deserve, and throttle you, you dog ! 

Peach. Brother, brother, we are both in the wrong ; 
we shall be both losers in the dispute, for you know we 
have it in our power to hang each other. You should 
not be so passionate. 

Loch. Nor you so provoking. 



36 BEGGAR'S OPERA. [Gay 

Peach 'Tis our mutual interest, 'tis for the interest of 
the world, we should agree. If I said any tiling, bro- 
ther, to the prejudice of your character, I ask pardon. 

Lock. Brother Peachum, I can forgive as well as re- 
sent : give me your hand : suspicion does not become 
a friend. 

Peach. I only meant to give you occasion to justify 
yourself. But 1 must now step home, for I expect the 
gentleman about this snuff-box that Filch nimmed two 
nights ago in the Park. I appointed him at this hour. 

[exit 

enter lucy. 

Lock. Whence come you, hussy ? 

Lucy. My tears might answer that question. 

Lock. You have then been whimpering and fondling 
like a spaniel over the fellow that hath abused you. 

Lucy. One can't help love, one can't cure it. 'Tis 
not in my power to obey you and hate him. 

Lock. Learn to bear your husband's death like a rea- 
sonable woman: 'tis not the fashion, now-a-days, so much 
as to affect sorrow upon these occasions. No woman 
would ever marry if she had not the chance of mortality 
for a release. Act like a woman of spirit, hussy, and 
thank your father for what he is doing. 

AIR XXXI. Of a noble race was Shenkin. 

Lucy. Is then his fate decreed, sir ? 
Such a man can 1 think of quitting ? 
When first we met so moves me yet, 
Oh, see how my heart is splitting ! 

Lock. Look ye, Lucy, there is no saving him, so I 
think you must even do like other widows, buy your- 
self weeds, and be cheerful. 

air xxxn. 

You'll think, ere many days ensue, 
This sentence not severe ; 
I hang your husband, child, 'tis true, 
But with him hang your care. 
Twang dang dillo dee, ; 



Act II] BEGGAR'S OPERA. S? 

Like a good wife go moan over your dying husband ; 
that, child, is your duty. Consider, girl, you can't 
have the man and the money too — so make yourself 
as easy as you can by getting all you can from him. [exit 

enter macheath. 

Lucy, Though the Ordinary was out of the way to- 
day, I hope, my dear, you will, upon the first opportu- 
nity, quiet my scruples. Oh, sir, my father's hard heart 
is- not to be softened, and I am in the utmost despair. 

Mac. But if I could raise a small sum would not 

twenty guineas, think you, move him ? — of all the argu- 
ments in the way of business, the perquisite is the most 
prevailing. Your father's perquisites for the escape of 
prisoners must amount to a considerable sum in the year. 
Money, well timed and properly applied, will do any 
thing. 

AIR XXXIII. London ladies. 

If you at an office solicit your due, 
And would not have matters neglected, 
You must quicken the clerk with the perquisite too, 
To do what his duty directed. 
Or would you the frowns of a lady prevent, 
She too has this palpable failing, 
The perquisite softens her into consent ; 
That reason with all is prevailing. 

Lucy. What love or money can do, shall be done : for 
all my comfort depends upon your safety, 

enter pollt. 

Polly. Where is my dear husband ? — was a rope ever 
intended for this neck ? — oh, let me throw my arms about 
it, and throttle thee with love ! — why dost thou turn 
away from me ? — 'tis thy Polly — 'tis thy wife. 

Mac* Was ever such an unfortunate" rascal as I am ? 

Lucy. Was there ever such another villain ? 

Polly. Oh, Macheath, was it for this we parted ? taken, 

imprisoned, tried, hanged ! — cruel reflection ! I'll stay 

with thee till death ; no force shall tear thy dear wife 

from thee now. What means my love ? not one kind 

D 



38 BEGGAR'S OPERA. [Gay 

word, not one kind look ! think what thy Polly suffers to 
see thee in this condition. 

AIR XXXIV. All in the downs, &c. 

Thus when the swallow, seeking prey, 
Within the sash is closely pent, 
His consort, with bemoaning lay, 
Without sits pining for th' event ; 
Her chatt'ring lovers all around her skim ; 
She heeds them not, poor bird, her soul's with 
him. 

•Mac. I must disown her. fasidej The wench is dis- 
tracted ! 

Lucy, Am I then bilked of my virtue ? can I have no 
reparation ? sure men were born to lie, and women to 
believe them ! oh, villain, villain ! 

Polty. Am \ not thy wife ? thy neglect of me, thy aver- 
sion to me, too severely proves it. — Look on me, tell me, 
am I not thy wife ? 

Lucy. Perfidious wretch ! 

Polly. Barbarous husband ! 

Lucy. Hadst thou been hanged five months ago I 
had been happy. 

Polly. And I too. If you had been kind to me till 
death it would not have vexed me, and that's no very 
unreasonable request, (though from a wife,) to a man 
who hath not above seven or eight days to live. 

Lucy. Art thou then married to another ? hast thou 
two wives, monster ? 

Mac. If women's tongues can cease for an answer, 
hear me. 

Lucy. I won't. Flesh and blood can't bear my 
usage. 

Polly. Shall I not claim my own ? justice bids me 
speak. 

AIR XXXV. Have you heard of a frolicksoitie ditty. 

Mac, How happy could I be with either. 
Were t'other dear charmer away ; 
But while you thus tease me together, 
To neither a word will I say, 
feut toll de roll, &c. 



Act II] BEGGAR'S OPERA. 39 

Polly. Sure, my dear, there ought to be some prefe- 
rence shewn to a wife ; at least she may claim the ap- 
pearance of it. He must be distracted with his misfor- 
tunes or he could not use me thus. 

Lucy. Oh, villain, villain, thou hast deceived me ! — 
I could even inform against thee with pleasure. Not a 
prude wishes more heartily to have facts against her in- 
timate acquaintance, than I now wish to have facts 
against thee. I would have her satisfaction, and they 
should all out. 

AIR XXXVI. Irish trot. 

Polly. I'm bubbled. 

Lucy. I'm bubbled. 

Polly. Oh, how I am troubled ! 
Lucy. Bamboozled and bit ! 

Polly. My distresses are doubled. 

Lucy. When you come to the tree, should the 
hangman refuse, 
These fingers with pleasure could fasten the noose. 
Polly. I'm bubbled, &c. 

Mac. Be pacified, my dear Lucy : this is all a fetch of 
Polly's to make me desperate with you in case I get off. 
If I am hanged she would fain have the credit of being 
thought my widow. Really, Polly, this is no time for a 
dispute of this sort, for whenever you are talking of 
marriage I am thinking of hanging. 

Polly. And hast thou the heart to persist in disown- 
ing me ? 

Mac. And hast thou the heart to persist in persuading 
me that I am married ? why, Polly, dost thou seek to ag- 
gravate my misfortunes ? 

Lucy. Really, Miss Peachum, you but expose your- 
self: besides, 'tis barbarous in you to worry a gentleman 
in his circumstances. 

AIR XXXVII. 

Polly. Cease your funning, 
Force or cunning 
Never shall my heart trepan : 



40 BEGGAR'S OPERA. [Gay 

All these sallies 

Are but malice 

To seduce my constant man. 

'Tis most certain 

By their flirting 

Women oft have envy shown, 

Pleas'd to ruin 

Others' wooing*, 

Never happy in their own. 

Decency, madam, methinks might teach you to behave 
yourself with some reserve with the husband while his 
wife is present. 

Mac. But seriously, Polly, this is carrying the joke a 
little too far. 

Lucy. If you are determined, madam, to raise a distur- 
bance in the prison, I shall be obliged to send for the 
turnkey to shew you the door. I am sorry, madam, you 
force me to be so ill-bred. 

Polly. Give me leave to tell you, madam, these for- 
ward airs don't become you in the least, madam ; and 
my duty, madam, obliges me to stay with my husband, 
madam. 

AIR XXXVIII. Good morrow, gossip Joaru 

Lucy. Why, how now, Madam Flirt ? 
If you thus must chatter, 
And are for flinging dirt, 
Let's try who best can spatter, 
Madam Flirt ! 

Polly. Why, how now, saucy jade ? 
Sure the wench is tipsy ; 

How can you see me made [to him. 

The scoff of such a gipsey ? 
Saucy jade ! [to her. 

enter peachtjm. 

Peach. Where's my wench ? ah, hussy, hussy ! — come 
you home, you slut ; and when^your fellow is hanged, 
hang yourself to make your family some amends. 



Act II] BEGGAR'S OPERA. 41 

Polly. Dear, dear father ! do not tear me from him. — 
I must speak ; I have more to say to him. Oh, twist thy 
fetters about me, that he may not haul me from thee. 

Peach. Sure all women are alike ; if ever they commit 
one folly they are sure to commit another by exposing 1 
themselves. Away, not a word more. You are my 
prisoner now, hussy. 

AIR XXXIX. Irish howl. 

Polly. No pow'r on earth can e'er divide 
The knot that sacred love hath ty'd. 
When parents draw against our mind 
The true love's knot they faster bind. 
Oh, oh ray, oh Amborah — Oh, oh, &c. 

(holding Macheath, Peachum pulling her. Exeunt Pea- 
chum and Polly J 

Mac. I am naturally compassionate, wife, so that I 
could not use the wench as she deserved, which made 
you at first suspect there was something" in what she 
said. 

Lucy. Indeed, my dear, I was strangely puzzled. 

Mac. If that had been the case her father would ne- 
ver have brought me into this circumstance. No, Lucy, 
I had rather die than be false to thee. 

Lucy. How happy am I, if you say this from your 
heart ; for I love thee so that I could sooner bear to see 
thee hanged than in the arms of another. 

Mac. But couldst thou bear to see me hanged ? 

Lucy. Oh, Macheath, I can never live to see that day. 

Mac. You see, Lucy, in the account of love you are 
in my debt; and you must now be convinced that I ra- 
ther choose to die than be another's. Make me, if pos- 
sible, love thee more, and let me owe my life to thee. If 
you refuse to assist me, Peachum and your father will 
immediately put me beyond all means of escape. 

Lucy. My father, I know, hath been drinking hard 
with the prisoners, and I fancy he is now taking his nap 
in his own room ; if I can procure the keys shall I go off 
with thee, my dear ? 

Mac. If we are together 'twill be impossible to lie 
concealed. As soon as the search begins to be a little 
d2 



42 BEGGAR'S OPERA. [Gay 

cool I will send to thee ; till then my heart is thy priso- 
ner. 

Lucy. Come then, my dear husband ; owe thy life to 
me, and, though you love me not, be grateful. But that 
Polly runs in my head strangely. 

Mac. A moment of time may make us unhappy for 
ever. 

AIR XL. The lass of Patie's mill. 

Lucy. I, like the fox, shall grieve, 
Whose mate hath left her side, 
Whom hounds, from morn to eve, 
Chase o'er the country wide. 
Where can my lover hide, 
Where cheat the wary pack ? 
If love be not his guide, 
He never will come back. [exeunt 



ACT III. 



scene — Newgate. 
enter lucy a^lockix. 



\ 



Lock. To be sure, wench, you must have been aid- 
ing and abetting to help him to this escape. 

Lucy. Sir, here hath been Peachum and his daughter 
Polly, and, to be sure, they know the ways of Newgate 
as well as if they had been born and bred in the place 
all their lives. Why must all your suspicion light upon 
me ? 

Lock. Lucy, Lucy, I will have none of these shuffling 
answers. 

Lucy. Well then if I know any thing of him I wish 

I may be burnt. 

Lock. Keep your temper, Lucy, or I shall pronounce 
you guilty, 

Lucy. Keep yours, sir: I do wish I may be burnt, I 
do ; and what can I say more to convince you ? 

Lock. Did he tip handsomely ? how much did he come 
down with ? come, hussy, don't cheat you father, and I 
shall not be angry with you. Perhaps you have made 



Act III] BEGGAR'S OPERA, 43 

a better bargain with him than I could have done ; how 
much, my good girl ? 

Lucy, You know, sir, I am fond of him, and would have 
given money to have kepthim with me. 

Lock. Ah, Lucy, thy education might have put thee 
more upon thy guard, for a girl in the bar of an alehouse 
is always besieged. 

Lucy. Dear sir, mention not my education, for 'twas 
to that I owe my ruin. 

AIR XLI. If love's a sweet passion, &c. . 

When young, at the bar you first taught me to 
score, 
And bid me be free of my lips and no more, 
I was kiss'd by the parson, the squire, and the sot, 
When the guest was departed the kiss was forgot ; 
But his kiss was so sweet, and so closely he prest, 
That I languished and pin'd till I granted the rest. 

If you can forgive me, sir, I will make a fair confession, 
for, to be sure, he hath been a most barbarous villain to 
me. 

Loch. And so you have let him escape, hussy — have 
you ? 

Lucy. When a woman loves, a kind look, a tender 
word, can persuade her to any thing — and I could ask 
no other bribe. 

Lucy. Thou wilt always be a vulgar slut. Lucy, if 
you would not be looked upon as a fool, you should ne- 
ver do any thing but upon the foot of interest : those 
that act otherwise are their own bubbles. 

Lucy. But love, sir, is a misfortune that may happen 
to the most discreet women, and in love we are all fools 
alike. Notwithstanding all he swore, I am now fully 
convinced that Polly Peachum is actually his wife. Did 
I let him escape, (fool that I was,) to go to her ? — Polly 
-will wheedle herself into his money, and then Peachum 
will hang him and cheat us both. 

Lock. So, I am to be ruined, because, forsooth, you 
must be in love : — a very pretty excuse. 

Lucy. I could murder that impudent happy strumpet. 
I gave him his life, and that creature enjoys the sweets 
of it. — Ungrateful Macheath ! 



44 BEGGAR'S OPERA. [Gay 

AIR XLII. South sea ballad. 

My love is all madness and folly ; 
Alone I lie, 
Toss, tumble, and cry, 
What a happy creature is Polly ! 
Was e'er such a wretch as I ! 
With rage 1 redden like scarlet 
That my dear inconstant varlet, 
Stark blind to my charms, 
Is lost in the arms 
Of that jilt, that inveigling harlot ! 
Stark blind to my charms, 
Is lost in the arms 
Of that jilt, that inveigling harlot ! 
This, this my resentment alarms. 

Lock. And so, after all this mischief, I must stay here 
to be entertained with your caterwauling, mistress Puss ! 
— out of my sight, wanton strumpet ! you shall fast and 
mortify yourself into reason, with now and then a little 
handsome discipline to bring you to your senses : — go. 
fexit Lucy J Peachum then intends to outwit me in this 
affair, but I'll be even with him. — The dog is leaky in 
his liquor, so I'll ply him that way, get the secret from 
him, and turn this affair to my own advantage. — " Lions, 
wolves, and vultures don't live together in herds, droves, 
or flocks ; — of all animals of prey, man is the only soci- 
able one. Every one of us preys upon his neighbour, 
and yet we herd together." — Peachum is my companion, 
my friend : according to the custom of the world, indeed, 
he may quote thousands of precedents for cheating me 
—and shall not I make use of the privilege of friend- 
ship to make him a return ? 

AIR XLIII. Partington's pound. 

Thus gamesters united in friendship are found, 
Though they know that their industry all is a cheat, 
They flock to their prey at the dice-box's sound, 
And join to promote one another's deceit : 
But if, by mishap, 
They fail of a chap, 



I 



Act III] BEGGAR'S OPERA. 45 

To keep in their hands they each other entrap ; 
Like pikes lank with hunger, who miss of their end£, 
They bite their companions and prey on their friends. 

Now, Peachum, you and I, like honest tradesmen are to 
have a fair trial which of us two can overreach the other. 
— Lucy — {enter Lucy) are there any of Peachum's peo- 
ple now in the house ? 

Lucy. Filch, sir, is drinking a quartern of strong wa- 
ters in the next room with black Moll. 

Lock. Bid him come to me. [exit Lucy 

enter filch. 

Why, boy, thou lookest as if thou wert half starved, like 
a shotten herring. 

" Filch. One had need have the constitution of a horse 
to go through the business. Since the favourite child- 
getter was disabled by a mishap, I have picked up a lit- 
tle money by helping the ladies to a pregnancy against 
their being called down to sentence — but if a man can- 
not get an honest livelihood any easier way, I am sure 
'tis what I can't undertake for another session. 

" Lock. Truly, if that great man should tip off it 
would be an irreparable loss. The vigour and prowess 
of a knight-errant never saved half the ladies in distress 
that he hath done." — But, boy, canst thou tell me where 
thy master is to be found ? 

Filch. At his lock*, sir, at the Crooked Billet. 

Lock. Very well — I have nothing more with you. — 
(exit Filch) I'll go to him there, for I have many impor- 
tant affairs to settle with him, and in the way of those 
transactions I'll artfully get into his secret, so that Mac- 
heath shall not remain a day longer out of my clutches. 

[exit 
scene — a gaming-house. 

macheath in a fine tarnished coat, ben budge, mat of 
the mint. 

Mac. I am sorry, gentlemen, the road was so barren 
of money. When my friends are in difficulties I am al- 

• A cant word signifying a warc-houge where stolen goods are de- 
posited. 



46 BEGGAR'S OPERA. [Gay 

ways glad that my fortune can be serviceable to them. 
(gives them money) You see, gentlemen, I am not a 
mere court friend, who professes every thing, and will 
do nothing. 

AIR XLIV. Lillibulero. 

The modes of the court so common are grown 
That a true friend can hardly be met ; 
Friendship for interest is but a loan, 
Which they let out for what they can get : 
*Tis true you find 
Some friends so kind, 

Who will give you good counsel themselves to de- 
fend, 
In sorrowful ditty 
They promise, they pity, 
But shift you for money from friend to friend. 

But we, gentlemen, have still honour enough to break 
through the corruptions of the world, and while I can 
serve you, you may command me. 

Ben. It grieves my heart that so generous a man 
should be involved in such difficulties as oblige him to 
live with such ill company and herd with gamesters. 

Mat. See the partiality of mankind : — one man may 
steal a horse better than another look over a hedge. Of 
all mechanics, of all servile handicraftsmen, a gamester 
is the vilest : but, yet, as many of the quality are of the 
profession, he is admitted amongst the politest company. 
I wonder we are not more respected. 

Mac. There will be deep play to-night at Marybone, 
and consequently money may be picked up upon the 
road. Meet me there, and Pll give you the hint who is 
worth setting. 

Mat. The fellow with a brown coat with a narrow 
gold binding, I am told, is never without money. 

Mac. What do you mean, Mat ? — sure you will not 
think of meddling with him ? he's a good honest kind 
of a fellow, aud one of us. 

Ben. To be sure s sir, we will put ourselves under 
your direction. 






Act III] BEGGAR'S OPERA. 47 

Mac. Have an eye upon the money-lenders — a rou- 
leau or two would prove a pretty sort of an expedition, 
I hate extortion. 

Mat. Those rouleaus are very pretty things — I hate 
your bank-bills — there is such a hazard in putting them 
off. 

Mac. There is a certain man of distinction, who, in 
his time, hath nicked me out of a great deal of the rea- 
dy : he is in my cash, Ben — I'll point him out to you this 
evening, and you shall draw upon him for the debt. 
The company are met : I hear the dice-box in the other 
room, so, gentlemen, your servant. You'll meet me at 
Mary bone. 

Mat. Upon honour. \exeunt 

scene — Peachum's lock. 

peachum «tw/lockit sitting at a table, ivith ivine, brandy, 
pipes and tobacco. 

Lock. The coronation-account, brother Peachum, is 
of so intricate a nature that I believe it will never he 
settled. 

Peach. It consists, indeed, of a great variety of arti- 
cles. It was worth to our people, in fees of different 
kinds, above ten instalments. — " This is part of the ac- 
count, brother, that lies open before us. 

"Lock. A lady's tail of rich brocade. — That, I see, is 
disposed of. 

" Peach. To Mrs. Diana Trapes, the tallywoman, and 
she will make a good hand on't, in shoes and slippers to 
trick out young ladies upon their going into keeping — 

" Lock. But I don't see any article of the jewels. 

*' Peach. Those are so well known that they must be 
sent abroad — you'll find them entered under the article 
of exportation. As for the snuff-boxes, watches, swords, 
&c. I thought it best to enter them under their several 
heads. 

" Lock. Seven and twenty women's pockets complete, 
with the several things therein contained, all sealed, 
numbered, and entered." 

Peach. But, brother, it is impossible for us new to en- 
ter upon this affair — we should have the whole day be- 



48 BEGGAR'S OPERA. [Gay 

fore us : Besides, the account of the last half-year's plate 
is in a book by itself, which lies at the other office. 

Lock. " Bring us then more liquor." To-day shall be 
for pleasure, to-morrow for business. Ah, brother, those 
daughters of ours are two slippery hussies. Keep a 
watchful eye upon Polly, and Macheath in a day or two 
shall be our own again. 

AIR XLV. Do-wn in the north country* 

Lock. What gudgeons are we men ! 
Ev'ry woman's easy prey ; 
Though we have felt the hook again. 
We bite and they betray. 

The bird that hath been trapt, 
When he hears his calling mate, 
To her he flies ; again he's clapt 
Within the wiry grate. 

Peach. But what signifies catching the bird, if your 
daughter Lucy will set open the door of the cage ? 

Lock. If men were answerable for the follies and frail- 
ties of their wives and daughters, no friends could keep 
a good correspondence together for two days. This is 
unkind of you, brother, for among good friends what 
they say or do goes for nothing. 

enter filch, 

Filch. Sir, here's Mrs. Diana Trapes wants to speak 
with you. 

Peach. Shall we admit her, brother Lockit ? 

Lock. By all means ; she's a good customer, and a 
fine-spoken woman, and a woman who drinks and talks 
so freely will enliven the conversation. 

Peach. Desire her to walk in. [exit Filch 

enter Mrs. trapes. 

Dear Mrs. Dye, your servant ; one may know by your 
kiss that your gin is excellent. 

Trapes. I was always very curious in my liquors. 

Lock. There is no perfumed breath like it : I have 
been long acquainted with the flavour of those lips, 
ha'n't I, Mrs. Dye ? 



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